mid-division, ridden over 1f out, one pace
towards rear, ridden and switched right over 1f out, kept on
soon led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden 2f out, soon beaten
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, one pace
steadied start, keen, ridden 2f out, headway approaching final furlong, not reached leaders
mid-division, chased leaders over 1f out, weakened well inside final furlong
mid-division, effort 2f out, soon held
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance inside final furlong, faded close home
keen, in rear, headway 2f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, faded
keen, steadied into mid-division, ridden on outside over 1f out, soon held
towards rear, ridden for headway 3f out, hung left over 1f out, kept on to chase winner inside final furlong
RESPLENDENT ACE is given another chance to shine but Wind Flow and Epsom Salts are not without their chances. Paul Howling's charge has proved ultra-frustrating but this is very much a case of as-is with the horse as he does appear to need everything to fall right. The handicapper is now doing his part in the equation. Wind Flow has had his problems but a win in selling grade will have done his confidence the world of good. Epsom Salts has been in terrific form of late and would have been our selection here had the BHA computer not allocated him a horrendous draw this afternoon. Garrulous won well at Great Leighs on his most recent start but this looks a tougher assignment. Valdan has been mugged on his two most recent starts and it remains to be seen as to whether a step up in trip will make any difference. King Of Supreme was a bitter disappointment when gambled at Kempton. Long Distance made an inauspicious debut over hurdles and is hastily returned to the flat. Jeczmien campaigned in listed company in Poland and makes a debut for Nick Gifford here. Resplendent Ace is the pick.
King Supreme (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (8-12) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never in contention, 10th of 14, 9l behind Press The Button (9-10) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Resplendent Ace (IRE) 16-1 (9-6) Held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, never nearer, 6th of 9, 6l behind Action Impact (9-4) at Great Leighs 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Wind Flow 5-1 (9-11) Soon led, headed 8f out, ridden to lead again over 2f out, kept on, won at Lingfield 1m 4f sll (6) pol in Nov beating Sleepy Mountain (8-13) by 1l, 14 ran.
Paint The Town Red 10-1 (9-3) Dwelt, in rear, ridden over 3f out, never nearer, 6th of 10, 10l behind Phoenix Flight (9-3) at Great Leighs 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Oct.
Long Distance (FR) 11-1 (8-8) Held up, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous, 7th of 8, 18l behind The Oil Magnate (8-12) at Beverley 1m 4f 3yo hcp (4) sft in Sept.
Garrulous (UAE) 12-1 (8-12) Steadied start, soon switched left, held up in rear, pushed along over 2f out, ridden to go third over 1f out, stayed on to lead post, won at Great Leighs 1m 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct beating Alonso de Guzman (9-6) by a shd, 8 ran.
William's Way 13-2 (9-0) Held up, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong, not reached leaders, 3rd of 7, 3l behind Nobelix (9-9) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Rising Force (IRE) 11-2 (9-3) Held up mid-division, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to go 4th inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 2l behind Don Pietro (9-8) at Great Leighs 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Nov.
Sunset Boulevard (IRE) 3-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders to over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 5, 16l behind Apache Fort (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in May.
Valdan (IRE) 4-1 (9-5) Held up in rear, headway from 2f out, chased winner final 150 yards, kept on, always just held, 2nd of 12, nk behind Risque Heights (9-5) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Vinces 25-1 (9-2) Tracked winner 3f, remained prominent, chased winner over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Weybridge Light (8-10) at Great Leighs 1m 5f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Ardmaddy (IRE) 4-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, no headway and weakened over 2f out, 8th of 9, 25l behind Tomina (9-3) at Kempton 1m 4f app hcp (6) pol in Jun.
Epsom Salts 9-4fav (8-9) Tracked leader, led approaching 2f out, soon ridden, one pace close home, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Antillia (8-13) at Lingfield 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Jeczmien (POL) (9-6) won at Magna Racino 1m Grp 1 (1) gd in Oct '07 beating Paldox (9-3) by a nk, 7 ran.
