always behind
mid-division, hard ridden and no impression leaders final 2f
tracked leaders until weakened 2f out
held up, always in rear, eased when no chance over 1f out
held up in rear, some headway under pressure over 3f out, soon no impression
tracked leader to 3f out, weakened 2f out
always in rear
in touch, ridden over 3f out, kept on same pace
in touch, hard ridden and kept on under pressure final 3f, no chance with winner
made all, driven clear over 1f out, stayed on strongly, unchallenged
held up in mid-division, pushed along over 5f out, soon behind
held up in rear, good headway on wide outside over 4f out, chased leaders under pressure, never able to challenged final 3f
tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner from 3f out, kept on well from 2nd, no chance with winner
always in rear
mid-division, pushed along 4f out, soon struggling
Always a tough race to call, but Anak Pekan looks to have every chance of reversing form with Ponderon here, while Teresa and Reveillez can also go well. The selection thrives over these extreme trips and landed a 14 furlong handicap at Yarmouth last season, before running well in defeat subsequently. Successive seconds in similar company to this on her last two starts of 2003 put her in the frame immediately, and coupled with that her 8lb pull with Ponderon for a two-and-a-half length defeat when they were last seen in November gives her an outstanding chance. Ponderon's success hasn't gone unnoticed by the handicapper and the Hector Protector gelding should be thereabouts once again, while Teresa looks interesting. The Darshaan filly was a three-quarter length third to Establishment last time out at Newmarket in October and that form gives her plenty of hope at these weights. Reveillez is also of some interest. One with plenty of ability over a mile and a half, he steps up considerably in trip and will have to be patiently ridden by Frankie Dettori, but it would be no surprise to see him nurture the gelding round and go well. Nevertheless, we will side with Anak Pekan.
