slowly into stride, in touch, switched to outer and smooth progress from 2f out, led final 100 yards, readily
slowly into stride, in touch until outpaced over 2f out
led after 1f until 5f out, stayed prominent, ridden and every chance 1f out, not pace of winner
prominent, led over 5f out, ridden over 2f out, no extra when headed final 100 yards
led for 1f, prominent, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, one pace final furlong
A tricky little race in which the vote goes to South Cape, while Lightning Flash and Demon Docker are others that must be considered at this level. Support for Moi Aussi would also be dangerous to ignore, as she is wily enough to take a hand on these terms. Her connections were flying high with her in Listed company in France in February and this is more her level. Demon Docker showed plenty of promise when getting off the mark at Wolverhampton last December and can be fancied to have been well educated since. Peter Chapple-Hyam has done wonders with similar horses and a bold attempt from this son of Docksider looks sure to unfold. Lightning Flash is following a tried and trusted path followed by the James Fanshawe yard and has to be given plenty of respect. Fanshawe won this with Cesare last season and the portents look good for a follow up bid. However, she faces a stiff test on these terms and, for one so inexperienced, she is not one to be plunging on at prohibitive odds. A more sporting option is presented in the shape of South Cape, who dropped a significant hint that he was on the way back with a solid effort at Salisbury last week. Mick Channon has enjoyed a steady stream of winners with some of his hard working individuals and South cape is the latest to present punters with a decent betting proposition at the likely prices.
Lightning Flash 33-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, strong run final furlong to lead close home, won at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn (5) pol in May '05 beating Strawberry Leaf (8-9) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
Lygeton Lad 12-1 (9-1) Held up stands' side, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 11th of 16, 16l behind Tender The Great (8-4) at Newmarket 1m app hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Indian Steppes (FR) 66-1 (8-8) In touch, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out, 11th of 27, 8l behind Uhoomagoo (8-9) at Ascot 7f hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Jun.
Demon Docker (IRE) 11-4fav (9-0) Prominent, led over 3f out, ridden, headed well over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, soon led again, driven out, won at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Dec beating Island Myth (9-0) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
South Cape 33-1 (8-13) Held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 14, 2l behind Dark Islander (9-1) at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp (2) gf.
Moi Aussi (USA) 7-2 (9-5) Tracked leaders in 4th, hard ridden and outpaced over 2f out, soon beaten, 5th of 6, 18l behind Grain of Truth (8-9) at Lingfield 1m 2f fll hcp (3) pol.
