tracked leaders, ridden to lead 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on one pace
prominent, ridden over 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, stayed on same pace
towards rear, ridden and outpaced 2f out, soon struggling
tracked leader, ridden and effort 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out
led, ridden 2f out, headed 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
steadied after start, held up behind, not clear run, switched right over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer
mid-division, ridden 2f out, no headway and weakened over 1f out
in touch, not clear run well over 1f out, switched left to inside, headway and led inside final furlong, ridden out
steadied start, took keen hold, behind, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
always in rear, never on terms
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, staying on when not clear run and checked inside final furlong, kept on
raced on outside in mid-division, ridden 2f out, no headway until stayed on final furlong, closed on leaders near finish
Recent winner C'Mon You Irons has to prove that this seven furlong trip is ideal and so preference is for NORTHERN DESERT ahead of Kabis Amigos and Landucci. Not the worst seller around with several horses rated in the high 60's and one in the 70's. The top-rated is Bridge Of Fermoy, a Gay Kelleway inmate whose recent performances in handicaps and a claimer have been just average. Instead then we'll take a chance on Northern Desert who has won at the track before, has plenty of experience (seven career wins) and could prove hard to beat. If he doesn't cope with the drop in trip today, his main rival may be Landucci. Despite a wide draw and not being the most conventional of rides, John Hills' gelding must be considered despite having failed to shine here in the past. Nikki Bea, Solicitude and Mountain Pass need to be considered, but a bigger danger could be Kabis Amigos. His official rating of 45 is not a true reflection of his ability having bounced back to form last time when second at the track and possessing solid form in the past including wins off marks in the high 60's and 70. Once again a competitive affair and it is Northern Desert who edges the vote.
C'Mon You Irons (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) Chased leader, ridden 2f out, driven and closed inside final furlong, led near finish, won at Lingfield 6f sll (6) pol in Dec beating Back In The Red (9-3) by a nk, 8 ran.
Bridge of Fermoy (IRE) 7-1 (9-2) Keen, tracked leaders from 2f out, soon weakened, 7th of 12, 10l behind Smokey Rye (8-2) at Lingfield 1m app clm (6) pol in Dec.
Countrywide Comet (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) In touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 8, 3l behind Bahamarama (8-12) at W'hampton 6f 3yo sll (6) pol in Mar.
Faintly Hopeful 16-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, soon weakened, 11th of 14, 12l behind Tuxedo (9-0) at Kempton 7f stk 0-55 (6) pol in Dec.
Kabis Amigos 5-1 (8-8) Led, driven over 1f out, headed and one pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Wooden King (8-12) at Lingfield 7f hcap (6) pol in Dec.
Landucci 14-1 (9-1) Mid-division, headway and effort on outer 2f out, soon ridden, no extra, one pace from over 1f out, 5th of 10, 6l behind Alqaahir (8-10) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
Mountain Pass (USA) 10-1 (9-9) Behind, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong without troubling leaders, 5th of 12, 5l behind Singleb (9-9) at W'hampton 7f sll (6) pol in Dec.
Northern Desert (IRE) 6-1 (8-10) Keen, chased leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 4th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Smokey Rye (8-2) at Lingfield 1m app clm (6) pol in Dec.
Silidan 6-1 (9-0) Led to post, raced very slowly away, raced freely and wide throughout, no better than mid-division, weakened 2f out, last of 12, 12l behind Cavalry Guard (8-5) at Lingfield 7f app hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Usetheforce (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, never dangerous, 7th of 12, 7l behind Connor's Choice (9-0) at Lingfield 6f 3yo sll (6) pol in Oct.
Nikki Bea (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (8-12) Close up, ridden 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 8th of 12, 5l behind Cavalry Guard (8-5) at Lingfield 7f app hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Solicitude 13-2 (9-2) Mid-division, headway 3f out, driven over 1f, edged left and one pace final furlong, 6th of 14, 4l behind Norcroft (9-6) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
