tracked leader, led well over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, weakend towards finish
tracked leaders, weakened inside final furlong
held up and keen, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on strongly to lead well inside final furlong
behind, headway 2f out, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong
held up behind, kept on from over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
behind, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders and keen, one pace final furlong
led, saddle soon slipped, headed well over 2f out, soon weakened
held up, headway over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
A modest maiden in which it's hard to oppose LIGHT SLEEPER with Lord Fidelio and Sydneysider chief amongst the opposition. Peter Chapple-Hyam's colt looks to have been found the perfect opening in which to gain a first career success. He has upwards of 9lbs in hand of his rivals, has posted fair efforts on all three starts including one on a similar surface at Wolverhampton. Lord Fidelio has something to find on the figures but he wasn't beaten too far in a handicap at the track last time and rates the main danger as he was entitled to need that run, his first since June, and he may prove capable of springing a surprise. Charlie Smirke has plenty to prove on his return whilst Sydnesysider posted a fair effort in a competitive handicap at the track last time and is another that looks capable of running close to his mark. The selection, therefore, will probably need to prove that the handicapper's assessment is accurate if he's to open his account but everything suggests that Light Sleeper will be up to the task.
Charlie Smirke (USA) 25-1 (9-1) Always in rear, 7th of 8, 22l behind Brett Vale (9-3) at Brighton 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Jun.
Light Sleeper 8-11fav (9-3) Held up in rear, headway to chase leaders 3f out, challenged 2f out, not quicken entering final furlong, 3rd of 10, 1 3/4l behind Simla Sunset (8-12) at Wolverhampton 7f mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
Lord Fidelio (IRE) 25-1 (9-2) Took keen hold in mid division, headway on inside 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 4th of 12, 2 1/4l behind Fernando Torres (8-11) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Nov.
Lord of The Dance (IRE) 3-1fav (10-4) Slowly into stride, soon pushed up to track leaders, smooth progress on inside to dispute 2nd 3f out, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 6th of 12, 13l behind Hit The Switch (9-7) at Southwell 1m Amateur Handicap (0-60) (3yo+) (6) fbs in Nov.
Sir Tom Medicean gelding out of Shasta.
Sydneysider 16-1 (9-3) Held up, ridden halfway, headway over 1f out, never nearer, 5th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Kuanyao (9-4) at Kempton 7f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Nov.
Wicklewood 66-1 (9-3) Raced wide, soon pushed along, prominent, weakened 3f out, 7th of 8, 30l behind Penzena (8-12) at Kempton 1m 3yo mdn auc stks (5) pol in Nov.
Lady Trish 16-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, weakened well over 1f out, 9th of 10, 23l behind First Service (9-3) at Wolverhampton 7f mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
Nativity 4-1 (8-11) Held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, never near leaders, 5th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Star Strider (9-0) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Kina Jazz 20-1 (8-10) Led, headed 2f out, weakened enteirng final furlong, 8th of 12, 5l behind Diamond Fire (8-11) at Wolverhampton 6f Apprentice Handicap (0-52) (3yo+) (6) pol in Nov.
