tracked leaders, switched right to challenge on outside over 2f out, led approaching final furlong, soon clear, hard held
held up in touch, ridden halfway, effort on inner over 1f out, soon no impression
led after 1f, headed over 1f out, no extra
tracked leaders, effort well over 1f out, kept on under pressure, never able to challenge
led 1f, tracked leader, effort over 1f out, soon weakened
GAUL WOOD is likely to prove popular despite having his first run since August. A runner-up at Wolverhampton on his debut, the three horses immediately behind have all won since and Tom Dascombe's colt has little to beat on his return. Prince Gabrial could prove best of the opposition as he showed improved form to finish fourth at Kempton last time, while Boris The Bold could figure on last month's debut showing at the same track, though he disappointed here last time. The remainder have yet to post any worthwhile form and are hard to fancy.
Gaul Wood (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, stayed on towards finish, just held, 2nd of 13, nk behind Queens Sandridge (9-0) at Wolverhampton 6f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Aug.
Nic Nok 100-1 (9-3) Dwelt, mid-division, ridden and weakened 2f out, 12th of 13, 20l behind Bu Naaji (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn auc stks (6) pol in Jul.
Prince Gabrial (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Soon led, ridden and headed over 1f out, one pace, 4th of 6, 6l behind By Invitation (8-12) at Kempton 6f 3yo mdn auc stks (6) pol.
Angel Cake (IRE) 18-1 (7-10) Driven to lead, set strong pace, headed 4f out, soon weakened, 6th of 10, 14l behind Ecossaise (9-9) at Southwell 1m mdn stks (5) fbs.
Echo Of Thunder (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon weakened, 7th of 10, 16l behind Ihsas (9-0) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) pol in Sep.
Boris The Bold 9-2 (9-3) Tracked leader, under pressure over 2f out, soon no impression, faded final furong, 3rd of 7, 13l behind Safari Sunseeker (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn auc stks (6) pol in Dec.
Equation Of Time 100-1 (9-3) Keen early mid-division, ridden and weakened 2f out, 10th of 12, 11l behind Instrumentalist (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2yo mdn auc stks (6) pol in Dec.