chased winner, hard driven halfway, weakened over 1f out
chased winner, lost place 2f out
held up in touch, headway over 1f out, soon chasing winner, stayed on well
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, soon no impression
made all, clear over 1f out, driven out, ran on strongly
Nonrunner
In this small field maiden over the minimum trip BLUE ZEPHYR is the pick after improving on his second run with the standard setting The Strig very much considered and American Light the only other under serious scrutiny. After a solid debut effort the pick duly stepped up on that to find just the one too good next time. He was finishing with intent that day and as long as he continues to improve he should be leaving these ranks behind. The Strig has had one more start than the selection but has looked mildly progressive. He was third in a warm looking contest the last time we saw him in November and he has every chance again. American Light is only other with strong claims after finishing second best on his last two outings but with him looking vulnerable to an improver we side with the seemly improving Blue Zephyr.
Blue Zephyr 2-1 (9-3) Held up in touch, badly outpaced over 2f out, rallied on inner over 1f out, ran on to take 2nd last strides but winner gone, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Freddie's Girl (9-0) at Lingfield 5f 3yo mdn stks (5) pol.
Captain Tony (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Dwelt, always behind, last of 9, 10l behind Avenuesnalleyways (9-3) at Kempton 6f 3yo mdn stks (5) pol.
Dominium (USA) E Dubai colt out of Sudenlylastsummer.
Maxijack (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) Held up tracking leaders, outpaced over 2f out, no chance after, last of 6, 7l behind Freddie's Girl (9-0) at Lingfield 5f 3yo mdn stks (5) pol.
The Strig 5-1 (9-0) With leader, ridden to lead approaching 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Tenacestream (9-3) at Lingfield 6f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
American Light 15-8fav (9-10) Prominent, chased winner well over 1f out, ridden and every chance 1f out, unable to quicken inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Texas Queen (8-7) at Wolverhampton 5f mdn stks (5) pol.