keen tracked leader, joined leader over 4f out, shaken up to lead over 1f out, ran on
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on to go 2nd inside final furlong, no threat to winner
awkwardly away mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
led, joined over 4f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on one pace and lost 2nd inside final furlong
well in rear, ridden 3f out, never on terms
well in rear, ridden 3f out, never on terms
well in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on, nearest finish
Crystal Lake went on to complete a hat-trick for Ralph Beckett after winning last year's renewal and his GOLD WILL looks to have every chance of opening his account. A runner-up in both previous starts over track and trip, he is preferred to the returning Deluxe. The latter has claims on his second at Sandown in August while Beauty Prince found only one too good at Wolverhampton at the end of last year. It's too soon to write off Ershaadaat, despite disappointing at Redcar in November, while the £190,000 newcomer Fire And Passion is another to note.
Beauty Prince 16-1 (9-5) Raced wide, close up, headway over 2f out, ridden to chase leader over 1f out, led entering final furlong, soon headed, kept on, 2nd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Biting Bullets (9-5) at Wolverhampton 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) in Nov.
Deluxe 11-4 (9-5) Led, headed 3f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 8, 25l behind Christophermarlowe (9-5) at Sandown 1m 2yo mdn (5) gd in Sep.
Fire And Passion Dutch Art colt out of Mary Goodnight.
Goldslinger (FR) 33-1 (9-5) Raced wide prominent, weakened over 2f out, last of 8, 25l behind Louie de Palma (9-2) at Windsor 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gf in Jun.
Gold Will (IRE) 5-2 (9-5) Led, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 12, 1 3/4l behind Algaith (9-5) at Kempton 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Oct.
Gunner Moyne 25-1 (9-5) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous, 8th of 9, 12l behind Velociter (9-5) at Kempton 1m 3yo mdn auc stks (5) pol.
Storytale 14-1 (9-0) Slowly away towards rear, edged left and weakened over 1f out, 7th of 9, 9l behind Skate (9-0) at Haydock 6f 2yo mdn (5) gs in Sep.
Ershaadaat (IRE) Evensfav (9-0) Slowly into stride, took keen hold, soon prominent, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 10, 8l behind Flashy Memories (9-5) at Redcar 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Nov.