mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon lost place
held up, under pressure 3f out, soon beaten
slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden and effort over 2f out, ran on under pressure to lead inside furlong, all out
tracked leader, led over 2f out, soon ridden, headed inside final furlong, no extra
in touch, pushed along over 4f out, chased leaders over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
soon led, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, behind, never dangerous
always behind
Il Grande Ardone is an interesting newcomer from Italy in this race but the verdict goes the way of INQUEST with Sabre Light also in with a chance. The selection tackles the artificial surface for the first time after three decent placings on turf. The latest was a fair effort at Brighton when third of nine and the gelding didn't quite get the slightly longer trip. It's not just a step back down in trip here but also in class and this surface should also suit him to break the maiden. It's difficult to know what to make of Il Grande Ardone who has some winning form in Italy. Three of those four victories have come on dirt which suggests he will act on the polytrack and if the form can be transferred then this is a real danger to the selection. Sabre Light also has some winning form and as recently as October. That victory at Great Leighs over a slightly shorter trip was followed up with a fifth place over a mile last time. That was a solid enough looking run and the step up to this trip should bring more out of him this time. Haydens Mark is another in the calculations after a victory in a claiming race in May. Since then not much has been shown but in a contest of this poor standard some winning form can be enough. Mystic Art is beginning to show some form after placing last time but INQUEST should take this but keep an eye on the newcomer from Italy.
Inquest 3-1jt-fav (9-3) Took keen hold in touch, challenged over 2f out, led narrowly over 1f out, headed near finish, lost 2nd near line, 3rd of 9, 1l behind Crusoe's Return (9-3) at Brighton 1m 4f mdn stk (5) gd in Oct.
Haydens Mark 66-1 (9-2) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 12, 19l behind E Major (8-11) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Oct.
Sabre Light 4-1fav (9-4) Outpaced towards rear, headway well over 1f out, kept on, never on terms, 5th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Desiderio (9-3) at Yarmouth 1m clm (6) gs in Oct.
Mystic Art (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Ran in snatches in mid-division, effort when not much room briefly over 1f out, stayed on to take 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 2l behind Gross Prophet (9-8) at Kempton 1m 2f clm (6) pol in Oct.
Ambrose Princess (IRE) 5-1jt-fav (9-7) Held up in touch, effort and soon chasing leaders over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, 3rd of 12, 1l behind Stravita (9-9) at Leicester 1m 4f ldy clm stk (6) gd in Oct.
Blur 25-1 (8-7) Chased leader, ridden to lead 1f out, headed and not pace off winner final 100 yards, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Gross Prophet (9-8) at Kempton 1m 2f clm (6) pol in Oct.
Rosy Dawn 20-1 (8-5) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, gradually weakened and lost 2 places near finish, 5th of 14, 6l behind Epsom Salts (8-10) at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Veras Joy 50-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, tailed off, 6th of 7, 21l behind Zaarmit (9-3) at Brighton 1m mdn aut stk (6) gf in Jun.
Threestoneburn (USA) 13-2 (8-0) Raced wide, keen and held up, ridden and weakened 3f out, 6th of 8, 8l behind Ricci de Mare (8-13) at Yarmouth 1m 2f 3yo & 4yo sll (6) sft in Oct.
Il Grande Ardone Dr Fong colt out of Bombalarina.
