tracked leader to over 1f out, weakened final furlong
led, ridden and headed inside final furlong, kept on well
mid-division, ridden and no impression over 1f out, soon one pace
prominent, ridden and weakened from 2f out
behind, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, never nearer.
held up in rear, never dangerous final 2f
always in rear group, outpaced 2f out, soon beaten.
held up mid-division, headway from 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, not pace of winner when caught close home
raced keenly, tracked leaders, ridden and no impression on leader 2f out, weakened rapidly over 1f out
held up in rear, rapid headway on outer over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, led near finish
Diriculous should take all the beating here despite a 7lb rise for his latest success. Unlike many in the field, the selection is a progressive horse who should still have his best years in front of him. He won his maiden here over course and distance in November on his second start and has maintained his improvement this term. He may have only won narrowly last time but he should have plenty more up his sleeve. Hereford Boy has claims although he may just need his first run of a new campaign and Love On Sight may emerge as a bigger danger. It may only have been a claimer that she won last time but she has competed from higher marks in the past and it could be that that success and the application of a visor will see her continue her good form. However, for the winner, we'll return to Diriculous.
Cativo Cavallino 10-1 (8-11) Prominent on outer, effort over 1f out, not quicken final furlong, 5th of 9, 3l behind Came Back (9-0) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Mar.
Misaro (GER) 12-1 (8-8) Soon led, ridden over 1f out, edged left and headed entering final furlong, no extra, 4th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Financial Times (9-1) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Mar.
Hereford Boy 14-1 (9-0) In rear, some headway over 1f out, never dangerous, 8th of 10, 3 1/2l behind New York Oscar (8-12) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-60 (4) pol in Oct.
Minaash (USA) 8-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Golden Desert (9-3) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Resplendent Alpha 5-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden to challenge on inner over 1f out, chased winner until no extra close home, 4th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Came Back (9-0) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Mar.
Impromptu 20-1 (8-13) Steadied start, held up behind, ridden well over 1f out, no impression on leaders, kept on towards finish, 6th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Came Back (9-0) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Mar.
H Harrison (IRE) 20-1 (8-8) Led, headed 4f out, soon ridden, weakened over 2f out, 12th of 14, 12l behind The Kiddykid (9-6) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Diriculous 15-8fav (8-8) Chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on well, driven out, won at Kempton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Feb beating Red Rudy (8-6) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Love On Sight 16-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, clear final furlong, driven out, won at Kempton 6f clm (6) pol in Mar beating Red Rudy (9-0) by 2 1/2l, 5 ran.
Jake The Snake (IRE) 85-40fav (9-4) Close up, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 14, 4l behind Count Kristo (8-11) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcap (5) gf in May '06. Later dsq to last.
