in touch, stayed on steadily over 1f out, led final 100 yards, soon clear
held up behind, headway to chase leaders over 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out
held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, ran on well final furlong, nearest finish
towards rear, under pressure over 4f out, soon weakened tailed off over 2f out
held up behind, never a factor
tracked leader, gradually lost place from 3f out
never better than mid-division
in rear, headway over 1f out, finished well inside final furlong, nearest finish
held up, ridden and no impression from 2f out
started slowly, held up in rear, headway 3f out, not clear run on inner over 2f out, kept on final furlong, not reach leaders
prominent, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed final 100 yards, no extra
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace from over 1f out, no chance when eased final furlong
led until headed over 2f out, kept on until weakened inside final furlong
raced wide in mid-division, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, tailed off
Prins Willem is of interest on his return to the flat, but Spitting Image is the one we will select, with Fen Game also expected to run well. The selection has been a revelation since joining Mark Johnston and absolutely bolted up at Southwell in January. He disappointed a little next time over a shorter distance, but back over two miles he will be hard to beat. Prins Willem has made quite a name for himself over the jumps. When last seen on the level his best trip was probably a mile and a half, however he should still be involved in the finish in this type of company. Fen Game returned from a long absence to finish an excellent third behind Dovedon Hero earlier this month. He steps up to two miles for the first time this afternoon and can go well off his low weight. In a wide open affair Moon Emperor and Maystock also have the form to go close, but if Spitting Image can repeat his Southwell form here he should collect first prize.
Prins Willem (IRE) 11-4 (9-4) In touch, came stands' side over 9f out, ridden 3f out, chased winner over 2f out, kept on one pace from over 1f out, 3rd of 10, 4 1/2l behind Always Waining (8-10) at Newmarket 1m 4f clm (D2) sft in Oct '04.
Maystock 7-2jt-fav (9-7) Close up, went 2nd 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong to lead final 75 yards, won at Lingfield 1m 5f app hcp (5) pol in Nov beating Santando (8-11) by a nk, 10 ran.
Spitting Image (IRE) 1-2fav (9-9) Towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden, one pace final 2f, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Oldenway (9-2) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Jan.
Countrywide Luck 6-1 (11-12) Led, headed over 9f out, chased clear leader, led inside last, headed post, 2nd of 11, shd behind Bid For Fame (10-4) at W'hampton 1m 4f amt hcp (5) pol.
Eastborough (IRE) 8-1 (8-8) Steadied start, held up in rear, headway over 1f out, ran on well, 2nd of 7, shd behind The Violin Player (8-13) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Moon Emperor 3-1 (9-9) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, driven 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Reggae Rhythm (8-12) at Lingfield 2m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Reggae Rhythm (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) Held up towards rear, closed over 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, stayed on well, won at Lingfield 2m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan beating Beauchamp Trump (8-4) by 2l, 9 ran.
Fen Game (IRE) 6-1 (8-10) Held up, good headway on inside until entering final furlong, stayed on, 3rd of 12, nk behind Dovedon Hero (8-13) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
