in touch, ridden to lead over 1f out, ridden entering final furlong, driven out, held on
steadied start, took keen hold in rear, not clear run over 2f out to inside final 2f, switched left, rapid headway final furlong, just failed, unlucky
took keen hold in mid-division, chased leaders 5f out, every chance over 1f out, not quicken and faded final furlong
towards rear, ridden and no impression 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led and set steady pace, quickened 3f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
took keen hold, behind in touch, ridden 2f out, no impression over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong
raced keenly, close up, effort over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, lost 2nd near finish
A few course and distance winners here, but none in much form and so preference is for the consistent Jack Rolfe ahead of Flame Creek and Abounding. A mark of 81 is arguably pushing the limits of Jack Rolfe but this consistent gelding just doesn't know how to run a bad race. He has been upped 3lbs for his recent second to Pocket Too and it appears that the handicapper may have a bit of a grudge. However he proved that he gets this trip ok and with George Baker on board he can take this prize. Flame Creek is not getting any younger but he won well last time and should not be ruled out. Portland needs a check in the betting returning from a break, whilst Stoop To Conquer has the look of a well-handicapped horse. At a price Linden Lime, a proven course and distance winner could run well, however it is Jack Rolfe who gets the nod.
Jack Rolfe 11-4 (9-7) Mid-division, headway to lead 3f out, hard pressed 2f out, stayed on gamely until headed inside final furlong, just outpaced towards finish, 2nd of 8, nk behind Pocket Too (8-6) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Moon Mix (FR) 11-1 (9-10) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, lost place approaching straight, no extra when eased 1 1/2f out, 14th of 15, 27l behind Marikhar (9-6) at Listowel 1m 4f hcp 0-90 gd in Sept.
Stoop To Conquer 8-1 (9-7) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, no impression on leaders final 2f, 6th of 9, 6l behind Toparudi (8-12) at Sandown 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Jul.
Flame Creek (IRE) 14-1 (9-13) Held up, smooth headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on and soon clear, won at Lingfield 2m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan beating Dubai Ace (9-0) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
At The Money 13-2 (8-7) With leader, led after 3f, headed over 4f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 5th of 17, 2 1/2l behind Kayf Aramis (8-9) at York 2m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gs in May.
Linden Lime 14-1 (8-13) In rear, ridden and no impression 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 8, 10l behind Pocket Too (8-6) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Abounding 9-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, led over 3f out, ridden 2f out, fading when headed inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, 4l behind Flame Creek (9-13) at Lingfield 2m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Portland 40-1 (9-3) With leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on, won at Warwick 7f 3yo mdn (5) gd in Apr '06 beating Street Warrior (9-3) by 1/2l, 14 ran.