Held up, nudged along and hung right 2f out, ran on well inside final furlong, led on line
Nudged along to lead, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, weakened
Held up in touch, pushed along 2f out, weakened 1f out
Broke well, chased leaders, ridden 2f out, no extra
Chased leader, pushed along 2f out, led inside final furlong, caught on line
NonRunner
Less than a length separated Royal Birth, Ornate, LIHOU and Watchable in a similar contest here just before Christmas and there should be little between the quartet again. Despite a wide draw, David Evans’ charge may come out on top this time as he will be able to take a lead from the front-runners. Recon Mission is penalised for last week’s course and distance success in a lower grade but can’t be ignored now he’s got his head back in front.
Royal Birth 6-1 (9-6) Tracked leaders, ridden and headway inside final furlong, ran on to lead post, won at Lingfield 5f hcp (3) pol in Dec beating Ornate (9-7) by ns, 7 ran.
Ornate 9-1 (9-7) Led, ridden over 1f out, caught post, 2nd of 7, shd behind Royal Birth (9-6) at Lingfield 5f hcp (3) pol in Dec.
Watchable 12-1 (9-5) In touch, pushed along 2f out, ridden and ran on towards finish, 4th of 7, 3/4l behind Royal Birth (9-6) at Lingfield 5f hcp (3) pol in Dec.
Stake Acclaim (IRE) 100-1 (9-7) Disputed lead early, prominent, hampered over 1f out, soon well held, last of 12, 9 1/2l behind Misty Grey (9-7) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (3) pol in Dec.
Spirit Of May 40-1 (8-10) Disputed lead early, prominent, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final 75 yards, 9th of 12, 4 3/4l behind Misty Grey (9-7) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (3) pol in Dec.
Verne Castle 14-1 (8-8) Raced wide tracked leaders, ridden and unable to quicken over 1f out, slightly hampered inside final furlong, weakened towards finish, 6th of 7, 2 1/2l behind Royal Birth (9-6) at Lingfield 5f hcp (3) pol in Dec.
Recon Mission (IRE) 13-8fav (9-7) Keen made all, pushed along over 1f out, ran on, won at Lingfield 5f hcp (4) pol in Dec beating Thegreatestshowman (8-13) by 3/4l, 5 ran.
Lihou 13-8fav (8-11) Dwelt in touch in rear, headway on inner over 1f out, ridden and every chance inside final furlong, not quicken towards finish, 3rd of 7, nk behind Royal Birth (9-6) at Lingfield 5f hcp (3) pol in Dec.