tracked leaders, challenged going well over 2f out, led over 1f out, soon in command, stayed on well, easily
tracked leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace and well held when weakened inside final furlong
held up towards rear, headway on inside over 2f out, soon ridden, carried head high and no further progress
held up towards rear, headway on outside over 2f out, appeared to lose action and eased over 1f out, virtually pulled up soon after
in touch, effort on outside over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not quite pace to challenge
slowly into stride, soon recovered and in touch, haampered on rail over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong
always behind, no chance when hung left over 2f out
hed up towards rear, headway on inside over 2f out, switched right soon after, one pace and no impression over 1f out
held up in rear, headway and switched right over 2f out, one pace and no danger after
mid-division on outside, pushed along halfway, weakened over 3f out
led, strongly pressed 3f out, headed over 2f out, weakened entering final furlong
chased leader until over 3f out, soon weakened
in touch on inside, pushed along 3f out, effort and hung left over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winer
started slowly, keen in rear, headway on outside 3f out, soon ridden and no progress 2f out
took keen hold in rear, headway on outside over 2f out, not pace to get competitive
HANOVERIAN BARON improved no end for the step up to this trip last year and is fancied to make a winning return at the main expense of Bullet Man and Alainmaar. The selection has something to prove on quick ground so will be hoping for a dash of rain in the run up to the meeting. However he was very progressive last autumn and a 5lb raise for his win at Salisbury may underestimate him. At the other end of the weights perches Alainmaar who himself looked an animal to follow last season. He signed off with a comprehensive win at Newmarket and has no ground worries if it stays quick but his new mark of 102 may leave him a little vulnerable on this first start unless he is really a Listed-class performer. Indian Days is not ignored as he drops in grade, French import Porgy hasn't been with the yard for long, whilst Greylami is consistent but ultimately hard to win with. The step back up in trip will suit Tartan Gunna who has some rock solid form on downhill tracks, whilst Bazergan and Never Ending Tale have both run well fresh in the past. Bullet Man has a first start for Richard Fahey this afternoon and this Mister Greeley gelding looked a horse of some potential back in 2008 but hasn't really gone on from his maiden win; he remains capable of better for a new yard. At a price Lord Theo might run into a place, but the win vote goes to Hanoverian Baron.
Alainmaar (FR) Evensfav (9-4) Chased leader after 1f, led 2f out, stayed on well, won at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Oct beating Rumble Of Thunder (8-4) by 2 1/2l, 3 ran.
Indian Days 33-1 (9-0) In touch, headway to track leading pair over 3f out until hard ridden 2f out and soon weakened, 10th of 12, 13l behind Mawatheeq (9-0) at Ascot 1m 4f Grp 3 (1) gf in Sep.
Porgy 25-1 (9-6) Dwelt behind, some late headway, never nearer, 8th of 14, 9l behind Dansili Dancer (9-3) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-105 (2) pol in Mar.
Greylami (IRE) 20-1 (8-6) Held up, never dangerous, 27th of 32, 35l behind Supaseus (9-1) at Newmarket 1m 1f hcp (2) gf in Oct.
Cill Rialaig 25-1 (9-0) Held up mid-division, headway 2f out, no impression, 7th of 19, 9l behind Queen Of Pentacles (8-10) at Doncaster 1m 2f fll lst stks (1) sft in Nov.
Tartan Gunna 15-2 (8-13) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, headway entering final furlong, kept on to take 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 15, 8l behind Harrison George (9-4) at Pontefract 1m hcp 0-95 (3) gd.
Bazergan (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Slowly away, in rear, some headway final furlong, 12th of 20, 8l behind Almiqdaad (8-12) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 105 (2) gf in Sep.
Kavachi (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) Held up, never dangerous, 9th of 12, 8l behind Cill Rialaig (8-7) at Ascot 1m 2f hcp 105 (2) gs in Oct.
Bolodenka (IRE) 25-1 (8-13) Raced wide, held up, ridden and weakened 2f out, 8th of 12, 20l behind Trans Sonic (8-3) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Mar.
Never Ending Tale 4-1 (9-13) Raced keenly, tracked leader until 3f out, soon carried head high, weakened well over 1f out, last of 7, 25l behind One Way Or Another (10-0) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Jun.
Bullet Man (USA) 15-2 (9-4) In touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 14l behind Lord Theo (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (3) gd in Aug.
Lord Theo 50-1 (8-11) Always in rear, 12th of 15, 32l behind Fastnet Storm (8-10) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (3) sft in Oct.
Hanoverian Baron 9-2 (9-0) Held up in touch, switched left, headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, kept on well, won at Salisbury 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Oct beating Goliaths Boy (8-12) by 1 1/4l, 11 ran.
Ramona Chase 14-1 (9-2) Slowly away, in rear, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Turjuman (8-11) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) std in Mar.
Totally Focussed (IRE) 10-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, took keen hold in mid-division, hampered over 4f out, staying on inside final furlong when hampered and switched right, never dangerous, 6th of 16, 4l behind Highly Regal (9-0) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
