held up, not fluent 3rd, some headway after 3 out, no further progress
held up, in touch, ridden 5th, weakened 3 out
held up, towards rear, jumped badly right 1st, not fluent 3rd, went wide approaching 5th, some headway 2 out, never dangerous
with leader, led 2nd, ridden 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra
mid-division, headway approaching 4th, challenged on bit from 2 out, taken up to lead approaching last, soon clear
held up, hit 4th, headway 3 out, weakened approaching last
took keen hold, in rear, headway after 2nd, weakened approaching 3 out, behind when pulled up before 2 out
held up, hampered 3rd, tailed off approaching 5th, pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, mistake 3rd, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last
led, wandered approaching 3rd, wandered and headed 2nd, chased leader until 3 out, soon weakened
None of the newcomers stand out in this first event and so it could rest between Compton Quay, Double Spectre and First Fought, with the vote going to the last named. Ginger McCain's gelding showed much improved form last time out at Haydock when chasing home the well regarded Finland. With ground and trip in his favour again today he should be capable of going one better. Compton Quay came up against a decent type in Wembury Point last time and wasn't disgraced, going down by just under two lengths. He can be expected to be there or thereabouts for his new stable this afternoon. Double Spectre made a very pleasing impression on his debut when second to the smart Vale de Lobo, he should be capable of reaching the frame. Best of the newcomers could be Cava Bien, but on this occasion we will go with experience and opt for First Fought.
Cava Bien 16-1 (8-6) Held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 5th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Montjeu Baby (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Oct (Flat).
Double Spectre (IRE) 20-1 (10-10) Prominent, with leader 2nd, led 3rd until headed after 4th, ridden and effort approaching 2 out, no extra approaching last, 2nd of 16, 8l behind Vale de Lobo (10-3) at Chepstow 2m 3yo nov hdl (E) gs in Oct.
First Fought (IRE) 33-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, steady headway after 5th, ridden, every chance last, switched right flat, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 17, 1 1/2l behind Finland (10-12) at Haydock 2m 3yo nov hdl (D) gd in Oct.
Josear 12-1 (11-0) Held up, blundered 4th, headway approaching 3 out, not trouble leaders, 5th of 16, 9l behind Kristinor (11-0) at Ludlow 2m 3yo mdn hdl (E) gf in Oct.
Emma Lilley (USA) 11-1 (8-4) Mid-division, effort on inside over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 15, 6l behind Shekan Star (8-11) at Warwick 1m 3f 3yo stk (7) gd in Oct (Flat).
Rockys Girl 3-1 (7-12) Towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace, 6th of 12, 12l behind Bongoali (8-9) at Southwell 1m 3f mdn clm (7) fbs in Oct (Flat).
Time For You 10-1 (10-5) Alway prominent, chased winner until after 6th, mistake next, soon one pace, 3rd of 13, 9l behind Palace Walk (11-5) at Ludlow 2m 3yo nov hdl (E) gf in Oct.
Compton Quay 11-4fav (10-12) Mistake 1st, soon prominent, chased leaders 4 out, led 2 out, wandered approaching last and headed, regained lead, headed close home, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Wembury Point (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 2f 3yo nov hdl (E) gf in Sept.
