always behind, ridden 3f out, soon struggling, never dangerous final 2f
pressed leader, ridden 2f out, stayed on gainly to lead well inside final furlong
led narrowly, kept on under pressure from well over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, lost 2nd close home
chased leaders, 3rd 2f out, ridden to challenge and every chance inside final furlong, no extra final 30 yards
tracked leaders, switched right to outside entering final furlong, stayed on well and closed on winner near finish
outpaced, soon ridden along, in rear 4f out, never in contention
steadied start, ran green in rear, some progress over 2f out, kept on under pressure from over 1f out, not trouble leaders
raced wide, soon ridden along, ran green, kept on one pace final 2f, never a factor
AULD ARTY is the selection with Spiritual Healing and Premier Lad the most likely dangers. Auld Arty has been called a few names in the past and with four runners-up slots in his last five contests, that's not too surprising. That said, he has been found an obvious opportunity to put the record straight and while he is our selection, he isn't one to be taking short prices about. Spiritual Healing cost 67000 guineas at the sales and this filly, who has a sprint led pedigree, would be very interesting in the event of any market confidence. David Barron knows how to handle a good sprinter so it is interesting that he's kept faith with Premier Lad after two inauspicious starts and a break. Hatman Jack is sure to be popular with Jamie Spencer aboard. He has only beaten one horse home so far. Uncle Brit will make appeal once turned out in handicaps. Flamsteed wasn't beaten far on his second racecourse start having left Mark Johnston after one appearance. Auld Arty secures the verdict on the basis of racecourse evidence.
Only Hope 40-1 (9-8) Chased leaders, reminders early, no impression from over 1f out, 4th of 9, 9l behind Angel Song (8-6) at Southwell 6f mdn stk (5) fbs.
Auld Arty (FR) 8-13fav (9-3) Tracked leader, effort over 1f out, soon one pace, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Green Onions (8-12) at Great Leighs 6f 3yo mdn (5) pol.
Flamsteed (IRE) 7-1 (8-10) Tracked leader, ridden to lead narrowly inside final furlong, soon headed, lost 2nd well inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 1/2l behind Cheap Thrills (8-5) at Lingfield 6f mdn aut stk (6) pol.
Hatman Jack (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Led for 2f, driven 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 9, 13l behind Dimander (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn auc (6) pol in Dec.
The Winged Assasin (USA) 66-1 (8-9) Rear of mid-division, ridden in 11th 2f out, 10th and no impression 1f out, kept on one pace, 9th of 17, 11l behind Chief Lone Eagle (8-9) at Leopardstown 7f 2yo mdn c&g sft in Nov.
Uncle Brit 16-1 (8-10) Mid-division, ridden along over 4f out, losing touch and outpaced over 3f out, soon well behind, last of 8, 18l behind Cheap Thrills (8-5) at Lingfield 6f mdn aut stk (6) pol.
Marina Walk Compton Place filly, related to numerous winners from 5f-1m.
Spiritual Healing (IRE) Invincible Spirit filly out of a lightly-raced mare.
Little Miss Ginger 33-1 (9-6) Mid-division, weakened 2f out, 8th of 9, 16l behind Jolly Ranch (8-5) at W'hampton 5f mdn aut stk (6) pol.
Premier Lad 4-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, stayed on final furlong, never able to challenge, 3rd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Titus Andronicus (9-3) at Catterick 5f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Oct.
