tracked leaders, led 7f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon hung left under pressure, no extra close home
held up in rear, steady headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, pushed out
in touch, joinedd leader 7f out, effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong
led 1f, remained prominent, ridden well over 2f out, soon faded
held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders over 2f out, stayed on
led after 1f, headed 7f out, under pressure over 4f out, soon weakened
Nonrunner
A moderate seller where Lord Of Dreams is selected ahead of Competitor and Black Falcon. Lord Of Dreams finished second last time over course and distance behind the progressive Safari Sundowner and a similar display would see him go close. He was a winner the last time he competed outside handicap company, that being in a seller in November. Competitor benefited from an enterprising ride from his rider last time, getting a soft lead early on before turning the screw and leaving his rivals for dead turning for home. The race was quite weak but you can't fault the manner in which he went right away in the closing stages. Black Falcon competes in selling company for the first time. A return to his old form would see him land this but he is pushing on age wise and an all-weather return at the begining of the month would not inspire you with confidence. Arena's Dream was very disappointing last time when everything appeared to be in his favour while Perfect Storm does not appear the most straight forward and is well held by Competitor. Lord Of Dreams is the selection to land this seller.
Competitor 9-2 (9-5) Made all, quickened over 1f out, soon clear, pushed out, comfortably, won at Lingfield 1m 4f app sll (6) pol beating Perfect Storm (9-0) by 4l, 5 ran.
Lord of Dreams (IRE) 8-1 (8-7) Held up towards rear, headway halfway, every chance 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Safari Sundowner (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcap (5) pol.
Perfect Storm 11-4 (9-0) Tracked winner, ridden over 2f out, stayed on towards finish but no chance with winner, 2nd of 5, 4l behind Competitor (9-5) at Lingfield 1m 4f app sll (6) pol.
Revolve 12-1 (8-11) Mid-division, ridden 5f out, in touch over 2f out, no impression over 1f out, weakened towards finish, 7th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Under Fire (8-12) at Kempton 1m hcp (6) pol.
Arena's Dream (USA) 10-3 (9-1) Led, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra, 4th of 7, 1l behind Holyfield Warrior (8-11) at Lingfield 1m clm (6) pol.
Benayoun 50-1 (8-3) Always in rear, 9th of 11, 11l behind Aggbag (8-4) at W'hampton 7f hcap (6) pol.
Barton Sands (IRE) 9-2fav (9-2) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, headed and no extra close home, 2nd of 14, 1l behind Lordswood (8-9) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.
Black Falcon (IRE) 11-1 (9-4) Behind, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened approaching 1f out, 4th of 8, 9l behind Bentley Brook (9-2) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
