towards rear, headway over 6f out, driven over 3f out, never dangerous
led briefly, headed and remained in touch, driven and lost touch over 4f out
held up mid-division, smooth progress 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on final furlong
towards rear, some late headway but never reached challenging position
towards rear, headway over 4f out, ridden and one pace final 2f
soon led, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
prominent, pushed along and lost ground over 5f out
towards rear, headway on inner over 4f out, one pace final 2f
prominent, pushed along over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
held up, headway over 3f out, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
prominent, driven over 4f out, soon beaten
mid-division, effort over 3f out, no impression
mid-division, pushed along over 4f out, never reached challenging position
always in rear division
prominent, pushed along over 6f out, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, hard driven over 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f
Romil Star can defy a penalty at the expense of Pee Jay's Dream, Champion Lion and Totally Scottish, with Rare Coincidence worth a mention as well. Karl Burke has his team in good form at present, and hopes are high that Romil Star can follow up his recent victory at Southwell where he has been a frequent visitor over the last six months. The son of Chief's Crown had Champion Lion back in fourth in a claiming contest nine days ago, and there are no worries about his ability to handle this longer trip. He has won round here in the past and handles soft ground so should go close. Pee Jay's Dream finished second in a slightly better race than this at Ayr in October, and he too will not mind the ground. Mick Easterby's charge does however have an absence to overcome so his fitness will have to be taken on trust. Totally Scottish ran well at Pontefract last time but may find even this on the short side. On the plus side, he is down at the bottom of the handicap and may stay on to reach the frame at least, while Rare Coincidence should be prominent for a while but usually drops away when it matters. All in all, a small wager on Romil Star looks the safest option.
Liberty Seeker (FR) 5-1 (9-1) Held up, effort 3f out, soon ridden and no impression, 5th of 6, 10l behind McEldowney (8-1) at Hamilton 1m 3f hcp (5) gf in Aug.
Champion Lion (IRE) 15-8fav (10-8) Mid-division, headway over 4f, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, no impression, 4th of 14, 7l behind Romil Star (10-6) at Southwell 1m 4f amt clm stk (6) fbs.
Rare Coincidence 10-1 (8-9) Prominent, ridden over 3f out, gradually weakened, 5th of 11, 15l behind John Forbes (8-12) at Musselburgh 2m hcap (4) hvy in Mar.
Pee Jay's Dream 9-2fav (8-9) Mid-division, smooth headway over 4f out, led over 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon ridden and no impression, 2nd of 14, 5l behind Spring Pursuit (8-9) at Ayr 1m 7f hcp 0-70 (5) sft in Oct.
Romil Star (GER) 10-3 (10-6) Always prominent, led over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, rallied to regain lead post, won at Southwell 1m 4f amt clm stk (6) fbs beating Mr Wong (10-2) by a hd, 14 ran.
Kaluana Court 14-1 (8-2) In touch, ridden 3f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 7l behind Precious Mystery (9-2) at Warwick 1m 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gs.
Step Perfect (USA) 11-1 (8-9) Prominent, joined leaders over 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 9, 37l behind Great As Gold (9-2) at Pontefract 2m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) hvy.
Totally Scottish 6-1 (8-2) Held up in rear,, stayed on from over 1f out, no impression, 5th of 9, 7l behind Great As Gold (9-2) at Pontefract 2m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) hvy.
