started slowly, always in rear, some headway over 2f out, no impression final 2f
took keen hold, tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, soon outpaced, weakened over 1f out, eased final furlong
held up, headway to go 2nd 1f out, no chance with winner
took keen hold, led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
raced keenly in 3rd, ridden to lead over 2f out, soon clear, driven out
in touch, reminders 7f out, kept on to chase winner over 1f out, no chance and lost 2nd 1f out
Depraux, Final Bid and Night Cruise look the players in this race and we side with Depraux. Willie Haggas could have gone down the handicap route with the three-year-old but he has elected to come here rather than give weight away and it could work the oracle. Tried over a much shorter trip in the past, there is every reason on breeding to suggest that this step up to 12 furlongs could be a fruitful exercise and we take the hint. Final Bid has had many chances and the fact that he figures in our thoughts is indicative as to the strength of this race. There is a suggestion on recent evidence that he may be flattered by his current BHB mark. Night Cruise is watched in the market for any signs of confidence. The half-brother to Priors Lodge is bred to get the trip so it would be disappointing if he couldn't put it altogether sooner rather than later. Poseidon's Secret hails from the desperately out-of-form Pat Eddery yard and would be a welcome winner if good enough. The remainder have shown nothing of note on the racecourse to warrant investment. Having considered the alternatives, Depraux is accordingly nominated.
War Feather 100-1 (9-6) Held up in rear, ridden over 4f out, never troubled leaders, 9th of 12, 19l behind Shout (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 4f mdn stk (5) pol.
Cativo Cavallino 33-1 (9-3) Steadied start, took keen hold in rear, some headway over 2f out, never nearer, 8th of 14, 26l behind Profitable (8-12) at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo & 4yo mdn (4) pol in Sept.
Depraux (IRE) 9-4fav (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 6l behind Miss Provence (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f mdn aut stk (6) pol.
Final Bid (IRE) 66-1 (8-10) Slowly into stride, always in rear, last of 14, 13l behind Gracie's Gift (8-12) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-65 (6) sft in Oct.
Night Cruise (IRE) Docksider gelding, half-brother to several winners up to 1m2f and over jumps including smart miler Priors Lodge.
Poseidon's Secret (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, pulled hard, pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 10, 11l behind Petrovich (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 3yo mdn (4) gf in Apr.
Coolaw (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, always behind, eased from under 2f out, tailed off, 15th of 16, well behind Michikabu (9-0) at Gowran Park 1m 3yo fll mdn gd in Apr.
