mid-division, ridden when not much room over 2f out, kept on one pace
chased leaders, ridden and not much room over 2f out, not recover
keen, led 1f, tracked leader after, led again over 2f out, ridden clear final furlong
steadied start, held up in last place, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on same pace
keen, tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, edged left over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
held up in rear, headway on inside approaching 2f out,ridden and stayed on final furlong
unruly start, close up, ridden to chase winner 2f out, soon no impression
led after 1f, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened and eased over 1f out
slowly into stride in rear, ridden and some headway on outside 2f out, soon one pace
Prince Charlemagne, Lord Of Dreams and Competitor are the three that catch the eye with preference for Prince Charlemagne. Karl Burkes' gelding has proved frustrating in recent times, last time be no exception to that with a never nearer mid division placing when everything appeared in his favour. He does reserve his best performences for this circuit though, being a three time course and distance winner and should prove too good for these. Lord Of Dreams availed of the drop in class last time beating today's rival Competitor. He is not an easy ride as he has to be delivered with a late flourish but George Baker is suited to him. He has it all to do with the selection though. Competitor is weighted to reverse form with Lord Of Dreams but may have been flattered to get so close to Lord Of Dreams. He was a winner on his penultimate start when benefiting from an enterprising ride from his rider. Prince Charlemagne is our nomination to win the opener.
Lord of Dreams (IRE) 10-11fav (8-10) Held up in rear, steady headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, pushed out, won at Lingfield 1m 2f sll (6) pol in Feb beating Competitor (8-12) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Sekula Pata (NZ) 8-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, soon weakened, 12th of 14, 10l behind Dinner Date (9-2) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Nov.
Competitor 3-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders, led 7f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon hung left under pressure, no extra close home, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Lord of Dreams (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 2f sll (6) pol in Feb.
Ground Patrol 25-1 (8-12) Led, headed 5f out, ridden over 3f out, lost place approaching 2f out, 13th of 15, 28l behind Magic Show (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Sept.
Imperial Amber 15-2 (9-0) Held up in touch, led over 5f out, ridden and hung left over 1f out, clear inside final furlong, won at W'hampton 1m 1f Stks (41-45) (7) pol beating Arthurs Dream (8-9) by 7l, 11 ran.
Pab Special (IRE) 7-1 (9-5) Started slowly, in rear, late headway from over 1f out, not trouble leaders, 6th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Rebellious Spirit (9-5) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Feb.
Prince Charlemagne (IRE) 2-1fav (9-11) Close up, chased leader over 5f out, ridden 2f out, soon one pace, 5th of 8, 3l behind Turner's Touch (9-11) at Lingfield 1m 4f clm (6) pol.
Stratn Jack 33-1 (8-6) Pulled hard, close up, ridden and weakened over 4f out, 11th of 13, 37l behind Chart Oak (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 5f Stks (41-45) (7) pol.
Hansomelle (IRE) 5-1 (8-9) Held up, behind and outpaced from 3f out, last of 6, 7l behind Without Excuse (9-3) at Kempton 1m app clm (5) pol in Feb.