led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on towards finish
tracked leaders in 4th, led inside final furlong, held on well
held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on towards finish
held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
went left start, tracked leader, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden to go 2nd over 1f out, no extra towards finish
Nonrunner
Better prize-money has brought out a much more competitive field and none can be dismissed. ORIENTAL RELATION is given the nod as he completed a double before just failing to concede 5lb to Alutiq over this track and trip. He's still progressing and can get the better of Thataboy, another with scope and carrying a 6lb penalty for last week's victory at Wolverhampton. Drive On is on a four-timer and should have no problems reverting back to this trip after his two victories over 7f but Nova Princesse finished last behind today's rival Harwoods Volante here last month but the winner is held by Thataboy. National Service made a belated debut here in November and had no problems landing a maiden so he has to be a threat with his lowly weight.
Harwoods Volante (IRE) 7-4fav (9-7) Held up, pushed along over 3f out, effort over 1f out when slightly hampered and switched right, kept on final furlong, not troubled leaders, 4th of 9, 7l behind Thataboy (8-1) at Lingfield 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Oriental Relation (IRE) 5-1 (9-2) Led, clear 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on well, headed and not pace of winner close home, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Alutiq (8-11) at Kempton 6f cond stks (2) pol.
Drive On (IRE) 6-1 (8-5) In touch in rear, good headway on inner to challenge over 1f out, led just inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Lingfield 7f 2yo hcp (2) pol in Dec beating Applejack Lad (8-6) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Nova Princesse (GER) 7-2 (9-3) In rear, headway over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, soon weakened, last of 8, 6l behind Harwoods Volante (9-1) at Kempton 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Zain Zone (IRE) 10-11fav (9-2) Raced keenly, pressed winner, ridden well over 1f out, soon hung left and head high, not resolute and no extra inside final furlong, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Al Baz (9-5) at Wolverhampton 7f 2yo nov auc stks (5) pol in Jul.
Exceeding Power 2-1fav (8-12) Chased leader, effort over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 4, 10l behind Captain Secret (9-7) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.
Thataboy (IRE) 5-4fav (8-6) Dwelt, chased leaders, effort over 1f out, went 2nd entering final furlong, soon hung left under pressure, ran on to lead last strides, won at Wolverhampton 5f 3yo hcp (4) pol beating Expect (9-3) by nk, 7 ran.
Taquka (IRE) 7-4 (9-5) With winner, ridden over 1f out, kept on and every chance inside final furlong, just held near finish, 2nd of 6, nk behind Speed The Plough (9-5) at Windsor 5f 2yo mdn (5) gf in Jul.
National Service (USA) 7-4fav (8-12) Slowly into stride, held up in 4th, went 3rd 3f out, closed and went 2nd over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at Kempton 5f 2yo mdn auc stks (5) pol in Nov beating Coiste BoDhar (8-6) by 2 1/4l, 6 ran.
