held up towards rear, headway 2f out, not clear run on inner over 1f out, switched right inside final furlong, ran on strongly to take 2nd close home, no chance with winner
close up, ridden along over 2f out, wide into straight, no impression, stayed on one pace
pressed leader, hung right over 2f out, and wide into straight, weakened quickly
in rear, kept on under pressure over 1f out but never dangerous
chased leaders, effort over 1f out, one pace final furlong
led and set good pace, headed 1f out, kept on
held up towards rear, headway 2f out, led 1f out, soon clear, comfortable
prominent, ridden to chase leader 2f out, weakened over 1f out
reared start, always in rear
Smith N Allan Oils, Smokin Joe and River of Babylon look to be the leading players here and the vote is given to River of Babylon. The selection is dropped in grade after disappointing in a Listed race in France last time. However, he had won here easily back in September over a mile and this progressive type should have too much class for his rivals with the return to 7 furlongs also in his favour. Smith N Allan Oils is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but he is becoming hard to win with and on that basis we will take him on. Smokin Joe is another worthy of respect on his best form, and having been outpaced over 6f last time he will appreciate the return to this more suitable trip. From a good draw he looks to have definite place claims. Stage Secret ran well last time and is another to consider, but for the winner we return to River of Babylon.
Northern Desert (IRE) 6-1 Held up, headway over 4f out, chased leader over 2f out, hung right over 1f out, one pace, 3rd of 10, 4 1/2l behind Uhoomagoo at W'hampton 7f hcp (D2) pol.
Smokin Joe 10-3fav Held up in rear, kept on inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 7th of 11, 5l behind Katiypour at Lingfield 6f hcp (D2) pol.
Stage Secret (IRE) 4-1 Pressed winner, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on under pressure until caught last stride, 2nd of 12, shd behind Waterside at Lingfield 7f hcp (D2) pol in Jan.
Waterside (IRE) 12-1 Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, faded towards finish, 4th of 11, 1 1/2l behind Cheese 'n Biscuits at Lingfield 7f hcp (D2) pol in Feb.
Indian Steppes (FR) 16-1 Raced wide, close up, effort to press leaders over 1f out, one pace and no impression final furlong, 5th of 12, 1l behind Steely Dan at Lingfield 7f hcp (D2) pol in Feb.
River of Babylon 6-1 Held up in touch, headway over 3f out to chase leader, ridden to lead inside final furlong, won at Lingfield 1m fll hcp (E3) pol in Sept beating Island Rapture by 1l, 12 ran.
Linda's Colin (IRE) 6-4 Mid-division, headway 4f out, led over 2f out, kept on, won at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo mdn aut (F4) pol in Dec beating Ten Cents by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Marko Jadeo (IRE) 4-1 Held up in rear, headway over 2f out, hard ridden and close up 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong, 5th of 9, 1 1/2l behind Outer Hebrides at W'hampton 7f hcp (D2) pol.
