chased leaders, effort over 2f out, soon one pace
chased leaders, ridden to challenge 2f out, soon one pace
behind, hung right halfway, soon ridden, ran on final furlong, never nearer
led 1f, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, in touch, good headway to lead over 1f out, driven clear
led after 1f, headed over1f out, no extra final furlong
slowly into stride, always behind
prominent, every chance 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
reared start, chased leaders, effort halfway, one pace final furlong
chased leaders, ridden halfway soon beaten
A poor opener to get matters underway and Thoughtsofstardom rates the tentative pick versus Punching and Minnow. The selection can tend to hinder his chances with slow starts but can finish with a degree of purpose and with a good apprentice booked, he could be worth a chance over today's trip. Punching is more than capable of showing early pace and did so at Wolverhampton over six furlongs. The in-form Tolley Dean rides. Minnow has been the medium of support in recent weeks and cannot be written off here. A visor replaces the usual eyeshields. Sands Crooner makes a return from absence and is watched in the market. Sir Loin makes his first ever bow around here while Charlotte Grey is dropping down the handicap but not without good reason to do so. Hello Roberto ran a real eyecatcher last time out but has a shocker of a draw to work from. Thoughtsofstardom is hardly the most emphatic of performers but his finishing kick might be enough to wrestle the spoils in today's opener.
Punching 11-4fav (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra, 6th of 11, 3l behind Littledodayno (9-1) at Kempton 6f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Thoughtsofstardom 5-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride, mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, effort inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 12, 1l behind Fast Freddie (9-4) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol.
Theoretical 14-1 (9-4) Towards rear, ridden over 1f out, never troubled leaders, 6th of 11, 6l behind Commander Wish (8-6) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Charlotte Grey 20-1 (8-13) Outpaced and always in rear, 11th of 12, 10l behind Smokin Beau (8-13) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Nov.
Sands Crooner (IRE) 7-1 (9-5) Always towards rear, no impression, 10th of 12, 7l behind Briery Lane (9-1) at Bath 5f hcp 0-60 (6) gd in Aug.
Hello Roberto 14-1 (8-7) Prominent, effort over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 10, 2l behind Our Fugitive (9-1) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Sir Loin 13-2 (8-13) Led, headed 2f out, faded inside final furlong, 7th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Fast Freddie (9-0) at W'hampton 5f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Fastrac Boy 11-2 (8-6) Towards rear, keeping on at one pace when switched right over 1f out, no danger, 7th of 12, 5l behind Smokin Beau (8-13) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Nov.
Minnow 16-1 (8-5) Held up, ridden on wide outside over 2f out, no impression, 8th of 12, 12l behind Alto Vertigo (8-2) at W'hampton 7f hcp (6) pol.
Piccostar 15-2 (9-0) Behind, driven on inside over 2f out, moderate headway after, 6th of 10, 8l behind Stormburst (8-4) at Kempton 6f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
