in touch, headway over 1f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, never going pace to reach leaders
held up in rear, effort 2f out, no impression over 1f out, weakened final furlong
reluctant to load stalls, in touch, hard driven and not run on over 1f out, soon weakened
raced keenly, in touch, headway over 1f out, ridden to lead just inside final furlong, found little under pressure, headed final 100 yards
led, ridden 3f out, headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
dropped out last, headway over 1f out, strong run final furlong, led final 100 yards
prominent, weakened and behind final 3f
chased leader, led over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, faded towards finish
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
This is another interesting event with Play The Ball given the vote ahead of Captain Jonno and Paparaazi. Much as the bare form of the selection's Wolverhampton debut win is nothing to write home about, he won well after displaying inexperience on that occasion and, with there being plenty of dirt blood in his pedigree, can surely now only improve. His trainer has also earmarked him for the Dubai Festival so clearly feels he has him in good heart by sending him to Lingfield ahead of that possible trip. After having previously displayed temperament, Captain Jonno got off the mark for David Loder over today's trip at Wolverhampton last time. With his stable in form, he can improve again, as should Resplendent Prince, a maiden winner here over seven furlongs in December, although that form has yet to work out well. Paparaazi's fourth over a mile here last time rates as solid-enough form, and there is not much between him and Asharon based on seven-furlong Wolverhampton form in November, although Paparaazi is possibly the more progressive. Orpendonna and Middle Earth have been knocking at the door and should in time win their maidens but, for today, we are happy to side Play The Ball.
