Ukiyo lands gamble on third start for Cromwell On her third start for Gavin Cromwell, the well-backed Ukiyo made the breakthrough in the 10-runner Mallow Handicap. Dropped to a mark of 50 after disappointing recent efforts, the Kuroshio four-year-old touched 25/1 in early shows for this six-furlong heat, eventually going off a 10/3 joint-favourite in the colours of the First Law Syndicate. Always towards the head of affairs under Robert Whearty, the bay victor was ridden in a share of the lead with a furlong and a half to go. Soon engaged in a tussle with Sovereign Banter, she ultimately outstayed that rival in the closing stages and came home a length-and-a-quarter to the good. The aforementioned Sovereign Banter (4/1 from 8s early) had to settle for second under Jimmy Dalton, while Response Finale (66/1) was a short head away in third. Top-weight I'm Spartacus was the other joint-favourite and he finished fifth. "Everything suited but I think going up to seven furlongs could even bring about more improvement," Whearty reflected. "It was my first time riding her in a race but I had ridden her plenty at home and her work had been good. I'm delighted with her. "We were hopeful of her running a nice race as it didn't look to be an overly strong race on paper. I'm glad to get the job done." STEWARDS REPORTS * Adam Caffrey, rider of I'm Spartacus, trained by Adrian McGuinness, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right in the last two furlongs. * The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Gavin Cromwell, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Ukiyo, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Justin McGovern, authorised representative, for the trainer reported that a return to six furlongs and an ease in the ground today brought about the apparent improvement. Having considered the report the Raceday Stewards noted its content. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
