chased leaders, challenged 2f out, soon led, ridden clear final furlong, eased near finish
reared start, soon tracking leaders, ran on final furlong to take 2nd last stride, no chance with easy winner
disputed lead until inside final 2f, chased winner after, no chance final furlong, lost 2nd last stride
disputed lead to 2f out, ridden, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, never a factor
in touch, effort on inside 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
held up, driven along 2f out, no impression
held up, ridden 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong
Mankanja is a sporting choice in a wide open contest; Blue Charm and the capable but exposed Vadinka are forwarded as the best alternatives. Vadinka has already 10 chances to get off the mark and is in danger of becoming frustrating. However, the switch to Nigel Tinkler's yard seems to have revitalised him lately and, as the sole representative form to make the trip down from his North Yorkshire yard, it is safe to say he will be expected to at least pay for the travelling expenses. Watch the market carefully where he is concerned. Blue Charm is related to a juvenile winner and, having shown promise on his racecourse debut last month, he is a likely type to post an improved performance this afternoon. Sylvester Kirk has a patient approach with animals of his type and this son of Averti looks sure to pay his way in due course. However, a chance is taken with Mankanja, who had some potentially decent types in behind her when she finished second at Wolverhampton at the start of last month. Normal progression will make the daughter of Orpen very hard to master in this company and, as she is likely to represent good value, the William Jarvis-trained filly gets the nod on this occasion.
Blue Charm 10-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway into mid-division 3f out, switched left 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 14, 3/4l behind Hanbrin Bhoy (8-12) at Kempton 7f 2yo mdn auc (6) pol in Nov.
Go Imperial (IRE) 10-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, behind, hard ridden and beaten 2f out, 8th of 9, 8l behind Mr Loire (8-11) at Kempton 6f 2yo mdn auc (6) pol in Nov.
Vadinka 11-4 (8-11) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, not clear run over 1f out, no impression, 7th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Giant Slalom (8-6) at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn auc (5) pol in Nov.
Shaded Edge Bold Edge gelding out of 5f-7f winner Twilight Mistress.
Play Straight 20-1 (8-5) Slowly into stride, in rear, good headway on inside 2f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Sharpazmax (8-13) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn auc (6) pol in Nov.
Mankanja (IRE) 66-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, headway on inside 2f out, kept on to go 2nd near finish, not trouble winner, 2nd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Situla (9-0) at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn fll aut (6) pol in Nov.
Tumblin Rosie 16-1 (8-5) Keen hold, held up, ran green over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Mr Loire (8-11) at Kempton 6f 2yo mdn auc (6) pol in Nov.
Mariaverdi 33-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, always in rear, 10th of 14, 11l behind Dalvina (9-0) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) pol in Oct.
