tracked leaders, led inside final furlong, kept on
led, ridden and headed 1f out, kept on same pace
close up, ridden to lead 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
held up in touch, ridden and kept on inside final furlong
in rear and in touch, headway 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
DISTANT PAST (NAP) has plenty going for him here. He made every yard to win in this grade at Newcastle last time and Kevin Ryan’s sprinter has the beating of both Upavon and Top Boy on recent running. Collateral form should also see him get the better of Bosham, a runner-up at Lingfield earlier, while though Doctor Sardonicus occupied the same finishing position on his penultimate start here that was over 6f. Lancelot Du Lac is perfectly capable of winning this off his current mark but he’s been rested since July and will be sharper for the outing.
Lancelot Du Lac (ITY) 12-1 (9-3) Slight lead on rail until halfway, lost 2nd over 1f out, weakened rapidly final furlong, eased, last of 12, 18 1/2l behind Brando (9-3) at Sandown 5f Grp 3 stks (1) sft in Jul.
Bosham 11-2 (9-7) Led, ridden and headed inside final 2f, weakened final furlong, last of 11, 5 1/4l behind Dynamo Walt (8-8) at Newcastle 5f hcp (3) pol in Dec.
Doctor Sardonicus 5-1 (8-11) Raced wide tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 12, 2 3/4l behind Encore d'Or (8-12) at Chelmsford City 5f hcp (2) pol in Nov.
Distant Past 7-2 (8-3) Made all, clear when edged left and ridden inside final furlong, ran on well, unchallenged, won at Newcastle 5f hcp (2) pol in Dec beating Gracious John (9-12) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Upavon 7-2 (8-12) Slowly away, in rear, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 8th of 11, 3 3/4l behind Jordan Sport (8-3) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (2) pol in Dec.
Top Boy 12-1 (8-2) Chased leaders, pushed along and outpaced halfway, ralllied approaching final furlong, ridden and weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 4l behind Distant Past (8-3) at Newcastle 5f hcp (2) pol in Dec.