Soon prominent, disputed after 2f, led halfway, ridden and pressed over 1f out, joined and disputed inside final furlong, just edged ahead close home op 11/8
Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden and switched out 1 1/2f out, challenged over 1f out, disputed inside final furlong, just held close home op 4/1 tchd 11/4
Verhoyen (1/1), Above Us Only Sky (3/1), California Yoohoo (3/1), Boatrace (11/1), Florida's King (20/1), Hanrai (25/1), Vaquero (66/1)
Not a lot of pace on show here but could herald a muddling speed in the early stages of the race. Verhoyen who finished third in a Listed contest back in October is sure to have his supporters on return to the track but preference is for the Fozzy Stack-trained CALIFORNIA YOOHOO who showed plenty of promise on debut over 5f here December, shaping as if a step up in trip would suit.