tracked leader, chased new leader from 2f out to approaching final furlong, weakened
held up in rear, some headway when hampered on rail over 2f out, eased when no chance after
raced wide, held up, pushed along halfway, soon behind
raced freely, led to 2f out, weakening when hampered on rail approaching final furlong
held up in rear, effort on inside over 1f out, soon ridden and one pace
close up, led going well 2f out, hard ridden final furlong, not quicken and headed near finish
mid-division, pushed along 3f out, driven to chase leaders over 1f out, no extra towards finish
mid-division, pushed along halfway, driven on outer over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden and not run on from 4f out, soon eased
walked to post, took keen hold in mid-division, headway over 1f out, ridden to chase leader entering final furlong, every chance until not quicken near finish
held up in rear, not clear run from 3f out until headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
slowly into stride, held up last, headway over 1f out, squeezed through and ran on to lead near finish
chased leaders until weakened over 1f out
Nonrunner
Competitor is expected to land this competitive opener, with Border Edge and Kirkstone put forward as the main rivals. John Akehurst's five-year-old was successful over course and distance at the end of December, comfortably beating today's rival Barton Sands. He was just beaten in a seller here next time, but still looks on a fair mark back in handicap company. Border Edge comes here in winning form having beaten Lowestoft Playboy over the mile trip here. The extra couple of furlongs is a slight concern but he should still be thereabouts off his current mark. Kirkstone has been knocking on the door and with Eddie Ahern on board this one has to be considered a live danger to all. Jomus and Red Sail are two others worthy of a mention, but Competitor looks the pick of the weights today and get our vote.
Pagan Prince 16-1 (8-11) Always in rear division, 12th of 14, 23l behind Samuel Charles (8-2) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Border Edge 10-1 (9-0) Prominent, stayed on steadily from over 1f out, led last strides, won at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-60 (6) pol beating Lowestoft Playboy (8-8) by a nk, 11 ran.
Barton Sands (IRE) 11-4 (8-7) Held up in rear, headway on outside over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 3/4l behind Bishops Finger (8-11) at Lingfield 1m 2f clm (6) pol.
Kirkstone (IRE) 7-2fav (9-4) Held up, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, just held, 2nd of 12, hd behind Devil's Island (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Competitor 11-4fav (9-7) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, no extra close home and headed post, 2nd of 10, shd behind Whenwillitwin (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 2f sll (6) pol.
Jomus 3-1fav (9-1) Started slowly, headway over 1f out, kept on, not trouble leaders, 4th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Border Edge (9-0) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Red Sail 12-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, no extra well inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 4l behind Gentle Peace (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Granary Girl 11-2 (9-0) Tracked leaders, led going well over 2f out, hung right final furlong, held on, won at Lingfield 1m 2f banded stk (7) pol in Oct beating Show Me The Lolly (8-13) by 3/4l, 13 ran.
