tracked leaders until weakened over 2f out
always behind, ridden along and struggling 5f out, tailed off
in touch on inner, kept on one pace from over 1f out, never going pace to challenge
took keen hold in mid-division, took closer order 5f out, led over 2f out, drew well clear over 1f out, unchallenged
slowly into stride, in rear, pushed along 6f out, soon pulled up (lame)
in touch, ridden to lead over 4f out, headed over 2f out, stayed chasing winner but no chance until weakened final furlong
tracked leaders until weakened quickly over 1f out
tracked leaders, outpaced and lost place 5f out, stayed on under pressure final 2f, took 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
held up in touch, driven to chase leading pair inside final 2f, stayed on same pace final furlong
took keen hold in rear, no chance when not clear run on inner over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
tracked leader, until weakened quickly over 5f out
led, set steady pace, headed over 4f out, weakened 2f out
always towards rear, ridden and struggling over 3f out
Royal Prodigy only wore down Reminiscent in the last few strides over course and distance last time and may struggle to complete the hat trick under a 6lb penalty so we prefer to side with Big Bertha who, on a line through the runner-up there, has the beating of the Ron Hodges-trained gelding. The selection had Reminiscent back in fifth, with another of today's rivals Maystock in seventh place, when a close third behind Western over course and distance last month and a reproduction of that effort may suffice. Danehill Lad has been unlucky not to have won a race this winter having four times found one too good. He may suffer the same fate again today, while Ambersong has also been struggling to get his head in front since winning a selling handicap at Wolverhampton in September. A market move for Fairy Wind would be of interest; while Zawrak has claims on the form he showed on his return to action here last month but is not certain to stay this trip. There are no doubts on that score for Big Bertha though and John Berry's mare gets the nod.