tracked leader, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
confidently ridden in last place, still 4 lengths down 1f out, smooth progress to lead on bit, towards finish comfortable
led, ridden 2f out, stayed on but no answers to winners lead
in touch, ridden 2f out, soon chased leader, unable to quicken final furlong
keen, raced wide in touch, ridden and effort 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
BONUS can record his fourth course success and the eleventh of his career by getting the better of Electric Warrior and Aeroplane. Gerard Butler's stable star has been a credit to his connections over the years and may be able to give weight away all round. Eddie Ahern knows him well, he's effective at this trip and should be hard to keep out of the frame although it must be noted that he's never won a handicap from a mark this high. Electric Warrior nestles at the foot of the weights and has to be rated a big danger. He's been running in claimers of late but his success in that sphere should have restored his confidence and he's a player. Aeroplane came within half a length of gaining his first success since 2006 last month and shouldn't have to wait too much longer now that the handicapper has relented somewhat. Gallantry was behind him last time and could struggle to reverse the form as he may need to drop a pound or two in order to get his head in front again. A good race is in prospect and can go the way of Bonus.
Naomh Geileis (USA) 14-1 (8-11) Mid-division, ridden to chase leaders 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 4l behind Ibn Khaldun (9-0) at Ascot 1m 2yo Grp 3 (1) gs in Oct '07.
Aeroplane 5-2fav (9-3) Held up mid-division, headway 2f out, every chance over 1f out, no extra, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Councellor (8-10) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-95 (3) pol.
Nezami (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, effort and headway over 1f out, held when not clear run inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Internationaldebut (9-2) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol.
Gallantry 6-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden and close up final furlong, no extra, 4th of 9, 1 1/2l behind Councellor (8-10) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-95 (3) pol.
Electric Warrior (IRE) 13-8 (9-4) Held up, headway 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, driven out, won at Lingfield 7f clm (6) pol beating Desert Dreamer (9-0) by a shd, 10 ran.
Bonus (IRE) 16-1 (9-2) Held up behind, not clear run 2f out, headway over 1f out, ran on well final furlong to close on winner near finish, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Duff (9-4) at Kempton 7f lst stk (1) pol.
Alpes Maritimes 8-1 (9-6) Always in rear, well behind from 2f out, last of 12, 20l behind Mister New York (8-13) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
