tracked leader on outside, ridden to lead narrowly over 1f out, no extra when headed entering final furlong, lost 2nd close home
soon led, pressed from over 2f out, headed narrowly over 1f out, faded inside final furlong
tracked leaders, not clear run and switched right entering final furlong, ran on well to take 2nd close home, not reached winner
close up 4th, pressed leaders well over 1f out, led entering final furlong, ran on, driven out
held up last, in touch, ridden and 5 lengths adrift over 2f out, never dangerous afterwards
DONCOSAQUE sets the standard and can defy top weight ahead of likely market rival Neuchatel. Although only three years of age, the colt has had three homes to date. On this third start for current connections he is likely to start favourite but given the ease that he won last time off a mark of 77, this 6lb higher mark may not be enough to stop him winning again. Neuchatel was a beaten favourite when last seen but he ran a fair race in defeat. If he handles this surface (ran ok on debut at Great Leighs) then he shouldn't be far away with the stable in good nick. Innactualfact lacks the ability of his rivals, Barwell Bridge is unexposed and could be fairly treated on a mark of 77 but he has to turn the tables significantly with the selection having trailed in behind him last time. State General has more experience than his rivals but is yet to record a success, so despite good efforts at Great Leighs and Kempton earlier in the season, we are happy to take him on with top-weight Doncosaque.
Doncosaque (IRE) 8-1 (9-5) Held up in touch, headway 2f out, led inside final furlong, driven out, won at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec beating Double Act (9-7) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Neuchatel (GER) 11-10fav (9-4) Dwelt, held up in touch, effort to have every chance 1f out, unable to quicken inside final furlong, 4th of 6, 1l behind Goodison Glory (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Barwell Bridge 10-3jt-fav (9-5) Held up in touch, headway over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, kept on, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Doncosaque (9-5) at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
State General (IRE) 6-4fav (9-7) Held up towards rear, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, kept on, never near leaders, 6th of 10, 6l behind Canmoss (8-11) at Great Leighs 1m 2f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Innactualfact 66-1 (8-7) Towards rear, pushed along over 4f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 5th of 10, 2l behind Canmoss (8-11) at Great Leighs 1m 2f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
