keen in mid-division, ridden over 2f out, ran on final furlong, not reached leaders
mid-division, ridden 2f out, not troubled leaders
keen in mid-division, ridden over 1f out, no impression
always in rear
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
always in rear
tracked leaders, ridden and slightly outpaced over 1f out, ran on towards finish
led 2f, tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
broke smartly, tracked leader, led over 1f out, ridden when idled towards finish
mid-division, headway over 2f out, kept on final furlong
Unbeaten at this track and a prolific listed winner, TRANQUIL TIGER is taken to land the 2010 Winter Derby in preference to Soul City, with Suits Me the choice for minor prize money. The selection arrives in form having taken a couple of course and distance listed races when last seen, but he's yet to really prove himself when stepping into Group company. That said, as Group Three races go this represents his easiest opportunity and he's unexposed on the surface, so more can be found and victory awaits. Soul City is just about the best served by the framing of this race based on official ratings and probably does set the form standard, having scored in a Group Two before taking third behind Mastercraftsman in the Irish 2000 Guineas. In spite of that, we're not convinced he will stay the trip well enough whilst this will be his first try on the surface. Pallodio is a Group Three winner and won a race on Deauville's artificial surface so looks interesting on his UK debut, whilst Suits Me isn't out of it on these terms and was only just beaten by Tranquil Tiger last time out; he looks a solid each-way play. Beauchamp Viceroy has four lengths to find with the pick after their last meeting but usually runs his race and another to mention would be Fiery Lad after his own performance behind Mastercraftsman when last out. A really good renewal of the Winter Derby, but Tranquil Tiger has the least to prove and is selected accordingly.
Stotsfold 9-1 (9-7) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f, 6th of 12, 8l behind Steele Tango (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 1f Grp 3 (1) gd in Oct.
Beauchamp Viceroy 14-1 (9-4) 5th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Sirocco Breeze (9-10) at Meydan(UAE) 7f hcap.
Bon Spiel 16-1 (9-5) Held up towards rear, never near leaders, 11th of 15, 31l behind Fastnet Storm (8-10) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-95 (3) sft in Oct.
Dalradian (IRE) 11-10fav (9-3) Held up in rear, good headway on inside over 1f out, ridden to lead just inside final furlong, ran on, won at Lingfield 1m cnd stks (4yo+) (3) pol in Feb beating Red Somerset (9-1) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Fiery Lad (IRE) 11-1 (9-7) 7th of 12, 6l behind Kal Barg (8-12) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 2f hcap.
Full Toss 20-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, lost place well over 1f out, 9th of 11, 6l behind Vitznau (9-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-105 (2) pol.
Mister Green (FR) 20-1 (8-13) Held up in rear, ridden and headway on inside over 1f out, kept on to go 3rd near finish, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Gitano Hernando (9-6) at Lingfield 1m 2f Listed Stakes (4yo+) (1) pol in Feb.
Ocean's Minstrel 20-1 (9-6) Tracked clear leader, ridden and weakened well over 2f out, 7th of 11, 12l behind Dunelight (9-3) at Wolverhampton 7f Listed Stakes (4yo+) (1) pol.
Pallodio (IRE) (8-9) won at Cagnes-sur-Mer(FR) 1m 2f lst stk std in Feb beating Eire (8-6) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Soul City (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) Close up on outer, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 2f out, eased when no chance over 1f out, 8th of 10, 24l behind Mastercraftsman (9-0) at Royal Ascot 1m 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun.
Suits Me 3-1 (9-0) Led ridden 2f out, headed 1f, kept on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Gitano Hernando (9-6) at Lingfield 1m 2f Listed Stakes (4yo+) (1) pol in Feb.
Tranquil Tiger 5-6fav (9-5) Broke well, keen, disputed 2nd, pushed along to challenge leader inside final furlong, cajoled to lead post, won at Lingfield 1m 2f listed stks (1) pol in Dec beating Suits Me (9-3) by shd, 6 ran.
Yahrab (IRE) 13-2 (9-0) Pressed leader, ridden 2f out, soon one pace, lost 3rd near finish, 4th of 7, 6l behind Gitano Hernando (9-6) at Lingfield 1m 2f Listed Stakes (4yo+) (1) pol in Feb.
Jaroslaw (SAF) 20-1 (8-11) 8th of 12, 8l behind Kal Barg (8-12) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 2f hcap.
