tracked leaders, went 2nd 6f out, led 2f out, hard driven final furlong, held on near finish
slowly into stride, behind, headway into mid-division 6f out, stayed on inside final furlong
mid-division, pushed along 3f out, never reached leaders
close up, ridden to chase winner inside final furlong, stayed on, just held
always behind
always towards rear
mid-division, headway 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, stayed on under pressure
slowly into stride, well behind, headway into mid-division 5f out, pushed along and hanging right final 2f, never dangerous
chased leaders, driven to challenge on inside over 1f out, unable to quicken final furlong
took keen hold, led, driven and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leader to 6f out, stayed handy until weakened over 1f out
Nonrunner
The short list contains Shaheer, Play Up Pompey, Wood Fern and Bollywood, with the vote given to Shaheer. Course and distance winners Shaheer and Play Up Pompey look to be leading players in race two on the card; Shaheer's win came nine days ago and he clearly comes here in good heart, while Play Up Pompey scored four days ago and holds a similar profile. Best of the rest could prove to be Hiawatha, who is more than capable of running well from today's mark, Wood Fern, although he has over three lengths to find with the selection based on their recent course and distance meeting - although he met trouble in running on that occasion - and Bollywood, whose Kempton run last time was not too bad and cheekpieces are now tried for the first time. Overall, though, Shaheer gets the call.
Shaheer (IRE) 16-1 (9-5) Mid-division, headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, just held on, won at Kempton 1m 2f banded stk (7) pol in Nov beating Milk And Sultana (9-6) by a nk, 14 ran.
Play Up Pompey 33-1 (9-6) Slowly away, held up last, headway over 1f out, ridden to lead between horses final 100 yards, driven out, won at Kempton 1m 2f mdn aut stk (6) pol beating Lilac Star (8-12) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Hiawatha (IRE) 15-2 (9-2) Keen, held up mid-division, ridden and headway 3f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 14, 1 1/2l behind Justcallmehandsome (8-8) at Kempton 1m 2f banded stk (7) pol in Apr.
Orphina (IRE) 9-1 (9-3) Raced wide, held up, kept on from over 1f out, but no impression on leaders, 6th of 13, 6l behind Mythical Charm (9-5) at Kempton 1m banded stk (7) pol in Nov.
Wood Fern (UAE) 3-1fav (9-3) Mid-division, effort and checked well over 1f out, ran on, 5th of 14, 3l behind Shaheer (9-5) at Kempton 1m 2f banded stk (7) pol in Nov.
Inveraray 12-1 (9-2) Towards rear, effort over 1f out, no extra and weakned inside final furlong, 7th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Shaheer (9-5) at Kempton 1m 2f banded stk (7) pol in Nov.
Expected Bonus (USA) 8-1 (9-3) Raced wide, held up behind, ridden over 3f out, weakened quickly, 13th of 14, 15l behind Majehar (9-3) at Kempton 1m 2f banded stk (7) pol in Oct.
Kilmeena Magic 14-1 (9-4) Held up, chased leaders 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, weakened towards finish, 4th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Artzola (9-4) at Kempton 1m 4f banded stk (7) pol in Nov.
Love You Always (USA) 14-1 (9-13) Started slowly, took keen hold, always towards rear, 8th of 11, 10l behind Wait For The Will (11-2) at W'hampton 1m 6f amt hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Proud Ruler (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Always behind, last of 11, 42l behind Coolfore Jade (8-11) at Down Royal 1m 2f mdn stk frm in Jun '03.
Bollywood (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) Took keen hold in touch, effort over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 14, 1 1/2l behind Elms Schoolboy (9-2) at Kempton 1m 2f banded stk (7) pol in Nov.
Simplified 12-1 (8-6) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 4th of 15, 2 1/2l behind Desert Lightning (9-4) at Yarmouth 1m 2f 3yo & 4yo sll (6) gf in Sept.
Royal Sailor (IRE) 100-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden and hung left over 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 13, 21l behind Panshir (9-2) at Yarmouth 1m hcap (6) sft in Aug.
