tracked leader, ridden to lead just over 2f out, kept on until weakened final furlong
held up behind, good headway over 1f out, pressed leaders inside final furlong, every chance well inside final furlong, took 2nd post
started slowly, towards rear, steady headway from inside final 2f, stayed on nearest finish
mid-division, headway to lead inside final furlong, soon pressed, headed near finish, lost 2nd post
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, every chance 1f out, no extra and one pace final furlong
mid-division, lost place and behind 2f out, never dangerous afterwards
held up, headway over 1f out, not much room inside final furlong, quickened to lead between rivals near finish
mid-division, headway over 1f out, not clear run, kept on not troubled leaders
steady start, always rear group, never a factor
led until headed just over 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders to well over 2f out, weakened quickly and soon behind
pulled hard in rear, rapid headway on outside to chase leaders 4f out, ridden and every chance 2f out, not quickened, weakened over 1f out
RIVER KIROV is put forwards although the likes of Connor's Choice, Blue Charm and Monte Major could easily trump him. Michael Wigham has nursed the former Peter Chapple-Hyam inmate back to some sort of form and he took advantage of his declining handicap mark to score at Kempton under Richard Hughes. He had excuses for his subsequent defeat over the same course and distance and can resume winning ways on his first visit to this track. Connor's Choice could struggle with his weight rise for winning a seller although he has competed from higher marks in the past. Blue Charm is another that could find life more difficult back in handicap company and Monte Major may be better suited by racing over the minimum. Mind Alert is a course and distance winner who is on a fair mark but he's got an absence to overcome whilst it's probably a little too speculative to put Affirmatively forwards despite her shaping with some promise last time. In contrast, River Kirov has obvious form claims and rates the pick.
Connor's Choice 7-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, ridden to lead approaching 1f out, challenged and kept on gamely, won at Lingfield 6f 3yo sll (6) pol in Oct beating Celtic Spring (8-2) by a shd, 12 ran.
Blue Charm 3-1fav (9-1) In touch, headway inside final 2f out, chasing winner and ridden when switched left inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 12, nk behind Samurai Warrior (9-0) at W'hampton 7f sll (6) pol.
This Ones For Eddy 10-1 (8-12) Held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, no impression, 6th of 10, 4l behind Tender Process (8-12) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
What Katie Did (IRE) 16-1 (8-13) Led, ridden and headed 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Hart of Gold (9-1) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Monte Major (IRE) 5-1 (8-8) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, no impression until ran on inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Fizzlephut (8-9) at Great Leighs 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Forever Changes 18-1 (9-1) Raced far side, chased leaders to halfway, tailed off, last of 12, 31l behind dhtrs Bye Baby Bunting (8-4) & Hawk Eyed Lady (9-1) at Folkestone 6f 3yo hcp (6) gs in Aug.
River Kirov (IRE) 7-2fav (9-0) In touch, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong, not trouble winner, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Back In The Red (8-13) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Patavium Prince (IRE) 13-2 (9-3) Prominent, ridden 3f out, driven and weakened over 1f out, 10th of 12, 9l behind Namu (8-11) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Mind Alert 28-1 (8-10) Behind, headway on inside over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 10th of 13, 9l behind Mafaheem (9-2) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in May.
Stoneacre Sarah 8-1 (9-7) Chased leader until ridden and weakened over 1f out, last of 9, 12l behind City For Conquest (8-10) at Lingfield 5f fll hcp (6) pol in Jul.
Affirmatively 20-1 (9-0) Started slowly, behind, steady headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not reached leaders, 6th of 12, 2l behind Kindallachan (8-12) at Kempton 6f hcp (6) pol.
Great Fox (IRE) 12-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened approaching 1f out, 7th of 12, 4l behind Fizzlephut (8-9) at Great Leighs 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
