held up mid-division, headway over 1f out, ridden to lead 1f out, ran on readily
in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, nearest finish
keen, mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
switched right start, held up in rear, rapid headway on inside over 1f out, soon every chance, ridden and ran on final furlong
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
led, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, soon one pace
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, nearest finish
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
VHUJON is the suggestion in a competitive handicap where Capone and Brandywell Boy are amongst those that must figure prominently in our thoughts. The experienced campaigner won two handicaps over course and distance last year from marks of 90 and 84 so he takes the eye in this line-up from his current perch of 78. He's been given a bit of a break so should be fresh enough and it's worth taking the chance that he'll be ready to take advantage of his mark. Capone has been running some consistent races is well drawn and should go close despite a 2lb rise in the weights whilst Brandywell Boy has 3lbs more to carry than when beating him at Lingfield. Fen Spirit and Labisa are not without claims but a bigger threat is posed by Green Park who ran on well to get the better of a subsequent winner at Wolverhampton. This is competitive but Vhujon is well enough handicapped to put his rivals to the sword if near his best.
Capone (IRE) 11-8fav (9-2) Switched left start, held up in rear, headway on inside from over 1f out, ridden and hung right final furlong, kept on towards finish, 3rd of 9, 1l behind Brandywell Boy (8-0) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Ektimaal 15-2 (8-11) Behind, never near leaders, 7th of 11, 4l behind Caprio (8-7) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-90 (3) pol in Nov.
Vintage (IRE) 4-1 (9-1) Held up, effort and headway over 1f out, chased leading trio final furlong and one pace, 4th of 8, 1 1/4l behind For Life (8-1) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in May.
Vhujon (IRE) 6-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, pulled hard in rear, last of 9, 5l behind Bahamian Lad (8-12) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Fen Spirit (IRE) 9-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, in rear, ridden 2f out, kept on, never dangerous, 5th of 10, 5l behind Imprimis Tagula (8-13) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Fishforcompliments 16-1 (8-13) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on until no extra towards finish, 5th of 10, 3l behind Fathsta (9-3) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Misaro (GER) 11-2 (9-1) Towards rear, short of room 2f out, not a danger after, 7th of 10, 5l behind Imprimis Tagula (8-13) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Brandywell Boy (IRE) 28-1 (8-0) Raced wide, tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, led well inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov beating Billy Red (8-11) by hd, 9 ran.
Billberry 2-1 (8-2) Took keen hold, tracking leading pair, outpaced 2f out, no danger after, last of 6, 4 1/2l behind Tiddliwinks (8-11) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Princess Valerina 33-1 (8-13) Behind, outpaced when hampered 2f out, never on terms, 7th of 12, 4l behind Daddy's Gift (9-2) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Green Park (IRE) 8-1 (8-4) Held up in rear and keen, headway 2f out, chased leader over 1f out, stayed on to lead close home, won at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Nickel Silver (8-10) by shd, 8 ran.
Labisa (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Held up, pushed along halfway, switched inside and effort over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Seek The Fair Land (8-13) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
