dwelt, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, kept on same pace final furlong
held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, driven clear, ran on strongly
tracked leader, lost place over 2f out
slowly into stride, held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous
held up in touch, headway to lead over 2f out, soon ridden, headed over 1f out, no extra
led until over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leader, ridden to challenge over 2f out, faded approaching final furlong
Dr Livingstone cannot be easily dismissed, but would make more appeal if this was over further as his recent win at Kempton came over 1m4f, as did his win at Ffos Las in August. Junoob also scored over a longer trip at Kempton last time when just holding on from BEAT THE BLUES. However, the latter re-opposes on much better terms today and given he's more likely to be suited by today's shorter distance, the vote goes to Andrew Balding's charge. The remainder have plenty to find with Ice Cold Bex preferred in first-time headgear.
Dr Livingstone (IRE) 2-1 (9-11) Tracked leading pair, dropped to rear over 6f out, headway on outside 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden and stayed on well final 110 yards, won at Kempton 1m 4f clm stks (6) pol in Nov, 4 ran.
Junoob 3-1 (8-13) Held up behind, headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on, won at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo clm stks (6) pol in Nov beating Beat Of The Blues (8-10) by 3/4l, 5 ran.
Beat Of The Blues 15-8fav (8-10) Soon led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 5, 3/4l behind Junoob (8-13) at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo clm stks (6) pol in Nov.
Keep A Welcome 80-1 (8-7) Mid-division, effort, behind from halfway, last of 9, well behind Singhalongtasveer (9-2) at Musselburgh 2m app hcp (6) gd in May '07.
Marvo 10-1 (9-1) Held up, ridden 3f out, no impression, 8th of 10, 15l behind Hot Rod Mamma (9-10) at Thirsk 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Sep.
Ice Cold Bex 7-4 (9-0) Led, ridden inside final 2f, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace, no impression with winner final 110 yards, 2nd of 5, 1 3/4l behind Encore Un Fois (9-4) at Kempton 1m 2f app clm stks 0-70 (6) pol in Nov.
Rowan Ridge 7-1 (8-8) Chased leaders, lost place over 2f out, 8th of 9, 13l behind Appeal (8-5) at Lingfield 1m 5f app hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Nov.