keen hold, led for 1f, prominent, ridden over 2f out, staying on same pace when not clear run final furlong
took keen hold and prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up, ridden over 2f out, ran on well final furlong to lead near finish
prominent, went 2nd 4f out, led 2f out, kept on final furlong until headed near finish
headway 4f out, chased leader over 1f out, kept on well and every chance final furlong, not quickened near finish
raced wide in touch, effort to chase leaders over 1f out, weakened final furlong
always in rear and struggling 3f out
held up and behind, effort over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer
led after 1f, headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up and keen in rear, effort on wide outside over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, nearest finish
chased leader, ridden over 3f out, no extra entering final furlong
The key to the outcome of this contest could be a similar race run 13 days ago when Melody Master benefited from being ridden close to a slow pace to beat four of today's rivals. Former apprentice handicap winner Chandelier was well in at the weights that day and was unable to capitalise. On the revised terms, he makes limited appeal. Bishops Finger and Non Ultra were both well held on that occasion and are difficult to recommend and it may pay to side with the John Hills-trained Loves Travelling. The son of Blues Traveller had been entitled to need the run having been off the week for 10 weeks and in the circumstances did well to be beaten just under three lengths. With improvement to come, he looks the one to beat. Of the others Cold Turkey and Golden Fields both make their first start on the all-weather this winter and may strip fitter for the outing, while Burnt Copper looks the pick of John Best's two runners judged by jockey bookings.
