dwelt, held up, never dangerous
tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, soon one pace
tracked leader, led over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on well
led, headed over 2f out, rallied and led again inside final furlong, headed towards finish, no extra
slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, hard driven when short of room over 2f out, soon beaten
always mid-division
held up mid-division, headway over 1f out, soon chasing leaders, ran on to lead inside final furlong, driven out
held up towards rear, never on terms
always behind
behind, headway over 1f out, never on terms
always in rear
This is a decidedly trappy contest and stakes are best kept to a minimum, with our token vote going to KNOW NO FEAR from Waterloo Dock and Fortezza. Holly Hall's mount arrives here in good form having won from a solid yardstick on his penultimate start at Kempton. Whilst his record here at Lingfield isn't quite as solid it shouldn't prove too much of an issue, and as a sprinter in form he's worth siding with. At these weights and on a line through Tanley, Waterloo Dock is closely matched with our selection. The five-year-olds sole success came here and so he's worth respecting but his overall profile isn't as compelling as our picks. Fortezza is the least exposed runner taking part and one of the most interesting making his handicap debut in a weak affair. His form in maidens is unspectacular at best but this mark of 52 reflects that, so a market check is necessary. Muktasb is best at this trip and could go round here blindfolded, but he didn't land much of a blow last time and might need a bit of respite from the assessor. Whatyouwouldwishfor was a shade disappointing last time but has a rapidly declining mark to work with for a good yard, whilst Don Pele will surely win a race in the coming weeks off this rating although his recent tendency to miss the kick makes him a risky proposition. Sherjawy is only 4lbs higher than for his last win and ran well in the face of a stiff task last time so merits respect, whilst Agnes Love could go well for her capable pilot although the draw is of some concern. Proud Linus looks up against it off top weight and so we'll return to the in-form Know No Fear.
Proud Linus (USA) 16-1 (9-0) Held up, always behind, last of 11, 9l behind Grudge (9-2) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Nov.
Don Pele (IRE) 11-1 (9-4) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, not clear run over 1f out, headway when not clear run entering final furlong, not troubled leaders, 5th of 10, 2l behind Elusive Ronnie (9-1) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Agnes Love 25-1 (8-5) Held up towards rear, under pressure halfway, soon beaten, 9th of 10, 6l behind Steel City Boy (8-10) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Sherjawy (IRE) 100-1 (8-11) Led, still in lead but under pressure 2f out, 4th near finish, last of 4, 2 1/2l behind Arganil (9-2) at Lingfield 6f cnd stks (4yo+) (3) pol.
Waterloo Dock 9-2fav (9-3) Towards rear, pushed along before halfway, headway over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 11, 2l behind Tanley (8-8) at Lingfield 6f Handicap (0-58) (4yo+) (6) pol.
Whatyouwoodwishfor (USA) 14-1 (8-12) Chased clear leader until ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace, took 2nd close home, 2nd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Obe Gold (9-4) at Southwell 6f sell stks (6) fbs.
Know No Fear 6-1 (8-10) Slowly into stride, in rear, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Radiator Rooney (9-0) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (0-55) (6) pol.
Golden Dixie (USA) 17-2 (8-13) Hampered soon after start, held up in rear, headway over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 14l behind Zeffirelli (8-12) at Southwell 6f hcp (0-55) (6) fbs.
Fortezza 16-1 (9-0) In touch, pushed along over 2f out, soon weakened, 7th of 8, 7l behind Brushing (8-7) at Yarmouth 6f 3yo mdn fll stks (5) gd in Aug.
Contented (IRE) 40-1 (8-1) Tacked across from wide draw, pressed winner, lost 2nd 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 11, 11l behind Art Market (9-3) at Lingfield 7f Handicap (0-58) (4yo+) (6) pol.
Jeannie (IRE) 25-1 (8-10) Held up mid-division, weakened over 1f out, last of 11, 11l behind Peopleton Brook (9-4) at Lingfield 6f Handicap (0-58) (4yo+) (6) pol.
Muktasb (USA) 7-2fav (9-0) Held up, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Bishopbriggs (8-11) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (0-55) (6) pol.