raced in last place, never a factor
close up, ridden to go 3rd over 2f out, driven inside final furlong, stayed on to press winner near finish
dwelt in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, never nearer
towards rear, never nearer
tracked clear leader, closed 2f out, soon ridden, led just inside final furlong, driven out
led and soon clear, ridden 2f out, headed just inside final furlong, lost 2nd near finish
held up, ridden and headway to 4th over 2f out, never dangerous
mid-division, weakend 3f out
close up, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
mid-division, ridden 4f out, weakend over 2f out
Nonrunner
If KING OF CONNACHT acts on his first try here he might be value to upset likely favourite Why Nee Amy in a race that will take little winning. The gelding is 3lbs higher than his last winning mark but the trip looks ideal and with Neil Callan in the plate he might be able to defy a rating of 58. He's not been beaten far lately and this isn't the best race, so he's selected from Why Nee Amy who won last time. The filly is up a pound for that victory which came at Kempton, but she's gone well here in the past and will rightly attract support as a last time winner. George Baker rides Zero Cool for Gary Moore and that alone entitles the horse to respect, but he's often looked far from straightforward and isn't one for maximum stakes to say the least. That said, he's down a pound for a solid looking second last time and goes well over course and distance so should fill a place. Whodunit will appreciate taking on a slightly lesser class of rival than when last seen and could go well enough, but his wins have both come off considerably lower marks and he needs dropping a pound or two in our view. Old Romney disappointed when presented with a very winnable chance last time, but he's tantalisingly handicapped on old form and as much of that came here he's definitely one to note for support along with Spruce who makes his debut in this country. Noah Jameel might just be better at shorter distances, December hasn't shown much to offer hope and Bertie Smalls has an absence to overcome, although he looks potentially well treated and might be worth a small bet at a big price. This is not a good race, but King Of Connacht might be good enough to take it.
Old Romney 8-1 (9-0) Held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no impression, 5th of 8, 5l behind Sir George (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f sell stks (6) pol in Jan.
Spruce (USA) (9-2) 8th of 10, 11l behind Darjani (9-2) at Maisons-laffitte(FR) 1m 2f stk in Jul.
King of Connacht 8-1 (8-5) In rear, very wide into straight 2f out, soon ridden, kept on final furlong nearest finish, 4th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Hannicean (8-9) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Why Nee Amy 6-1 (8-12) Held up in last trio, headway and ridden over 1f out, stayed on between horses inside final furlong, led final strides, won at Kempton 1m 2f app clm stks 0-70 (6) pol in Nov beating Too Tall (9-9) by hd, 7 ran.
Zero Cool (USA) 5-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders, effort and every chance when short of room over 1f out, soon pressed winner, no extra near finish, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Kirstys Lad (8-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (0-55) (6) pol in Jan.
Whodunit (UAE) 33-1 (8-6) Led until over 1f out, soon weakened, 5th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Jeer (9-6) at Lingfield 1m 2f hacp 0-70 (5) pol in Jan.
Noah Jameel 14-1 (9-2) Slowly into stride, always behind, 6th of 10, 12l behind Greenbelt (9-4) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Jan.
Bertie Smalls 25-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, soon headed, kept on same pace, 3rd of 14, 2 1/4l behind Chantilly Dancer (8-2) at Yarmouth 1m 1f 3yo sll (6) gd in Jun.
Bridge of Fermoy (IRE) 25-1 (8-11) Held up in touch, lost place well over 2f out, 13th of 14, 23l behind Mondego (9-5) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Oct.
Rainiers Girl 15-2 (8-5) Always towards rear, behind final 2f, 8th of 10, 6l behind Musashi (9-2) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-50 (7) pol in Jan.
December 12-1 (8-5) Led, ridden and joined over 2f out, headed just inside final 2f, soon weakened, 6th of 8, 13l behind Quinsman (8-9) at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
