behind, some late headway from over 1f out, never nearer
slowly intro stride, in rear, headway over 1f out, ran on to snatch 3rd post, not trouble leaders
started slowly, always towards rear, ridden 3f out, never a factor
soon tracked leader, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, not pace of winner
held up, ridden to chase leader 2f out, led inside final furlong, soon in command, driven out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
held up mid-division, ridden and no headway over 2f out, soon behind
tracked leaders, ridden and no impression from over 1f out, weakened final furlong
behind, under pressure 3f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, nearest finish
soon led, headed over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out
The likely strong pace will suit Desperate Dan, who is marginally preferred to Figaro Flyer and Magic Glade. That is not to underestimate Pieter Brueghel, but he appears to have it to do under top weight. Magic Glade is a consistent type that responded well for the urgings of Jim Crowley last time out. His new mark of 81 is not an insurmountable barrier but he does need to get the breaks in running. Figaro Flyer also has a similar profile and, as a previous course winner, he has to merit a second look. This sharp five furlongs should not be a problem and the four-year-old will be hard to keep out of the frame if he runs his usual race. However, the drop to the minimum distance will be ideal for Desperate Dan and the son of Danzero (won over c&d on his racecourse debut) can make this a happy return to Lingfield today.
Pieter Brueghel (USA) 5-2fav (9-1) Chased winner, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 9, 26l behind Turn On The Style (8-2) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Jan.
Desperate Dan 20-1 (8-11) Jumped right start, prominent, smooth progress over 1f out, soon every chance, not quicken, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Bahamian Pirate (9-4) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-100 (2) fbs.
Dancing Mystery 14-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden well over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 6th of 14, 3l behind Magic Glade (8-6) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Jan.
Graze On 4-1 (8-4) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 8, 5l behind Moorhouse Lad (8-5) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-100 (2) fbs in Jan.
Magic Glade 11-8fav (9-11) Held up, headway over 2f out, led well over 1f out, pushed out final furlong, won at Southwell 6f clm (6) fbs beating Soba Jones (8-6) by 3 1/2l, 5 ran.
Smokin Beau 25-1 (8-3) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 8, 10l behind Bahamian Pirate (9-4) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-100 (2) fbs.
Azygous 8-1 (9-3) Led, hard pressed 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra, one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 6, 1 1/2l behind Mango Music (9-4) at Sandown 5f 3yo hcp (4) gf in Sept.
Tartatartufata 10-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, edged left 1f out, kept on, 4th of 12, 3l behind Harry Up (9-1) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Figaro Flyer (IRE) 7-2fav (8-13) Led, ridden inside final furlong, headed post, 2nd of 10, shd behind Danetime Lord (8-4) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Bold Minstrel (IRE) 4-1 (8-12) Led 1f, chased leader after, ridden 2f out, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 9, 2l behind Little Edward (9-0) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
