mid-division, chased leaders over 3f out, one pace final 2f
chased leaders, weakened 5f out and soon tailed off
held up in rear, pushed along 5f out, one pace and no impression final 2f
soon led, headed halfway, chased leader until weakened 3f out, soon eased when beaten
held up in rear, kept on steadily final 2f
took keen hold, held up towards rear, ridden 6f out, soon lost touch
held up, steady headway 4f out, chased leader 2f out, led just inside final furlong, driven out
tracked leaders, led halfway, ridden and headed just inside final furlong, no extra
mid-division, effort 5f out, weakened over 3f out
held up, ridden 6f out, no impression final 3f
keen hold, prominent, weakened under pressure over 2f out
Murphy disappointed on debut when well fancied and should do better today, however he cannot be backed with confidence so we will side with Nicky Henderson's Clay Hollister, with Evilith Echo and Zahra's Place the ones for place money. The last-named won well last time out and should handle the step up in trip today. However the selection won like a serious horse at Fontwell on soft ground and looks a horse with a really bright future. He wasn't extended to score on debut and with the stable's horses in form he gets the confident vote. Evelith Echo was only just beaten when a runner-up last time out, however he is not sure to get the trip and may struggle to keep tabs on the selection. Harrisburg is an interesting newcomer from the Emma Lavelle stable and should be watched in the market, however we will confidently return to Clay Hollister to land this finale.
Monkey Massini (IRE) Dr Massini gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Pay Or Pay Atraf gelding, half-brother to 7f winner Starlight and 6f-1m winner Marshall Rooster.
The Apprentice (IRE) Shernazar gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Clay Hollister 8-11fav (10-7) Held up, plenty to do straight, headway on bit over 2f out, led approaching final furlong, ran on, won at Fontwell 1m 6f mdn nhf (6) sft beating Snakecharm (11-4) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Falcons Gift (IRE) Zaffaran mare, half-sister to winners up to 1m5f and over jumps.
Otarie (FR) 20-1 (10-11) Held up, some headway over 4f out, never on terms, 8th of 18, 49l behind West End King (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m mdn nhf (5) sft in Jan.
Evelith Echo 11-4 (10-12) Held up, headway over 5f out, led 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 6, hd behind Lease Lend (11-5) at Haydock 1m 5f 4yo nhf (6) hvy in Jan.
Harrisburg Alhaarth colt, half-brother to winners up to 1m4f.
Zahra's Place 9-2 (10-2) Mid-division, headway 4f out, led 2f out, kept on well, ridden out, won at Fontwell 1m 6f nhf (6) gs in Nov beating Abutilon (10-5) by 5l, 13 ran.
Itstooearly Overbury filly, half-sister to numerous winners over jumps.
Never Red (IRE) Flemensfirth filly, half-sister to winning hurdler Wagga Wagga.
Murphy (IRE) 7-4fav (10-13) Held up in touch and keen, headway over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 13, 27l behind Lodge Lane (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) hvy in Dec.
