close up, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced
slowly into stride, headway to chase over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace
tracked leader, led after 2f, ridden clear over 1f out, ran on
led to post, mounted and unruly at start, pulled hard, led 2f, steadied to rear, wide and effort 3f out, weakened over 1f out
Deadline made a pleasing reappearance thirteen days ago but this race looks all about Barry Hills' Palamoun returning from a break and he is fancied to score on his way to better things. Barry Hills will no doubt be disappointed if his colt fails to land this contest given the quality maidens that he contested last year. One note of caution to short-price backers is that the selection travelled strongly on his last two runs but then didn't quicken when asked to win his race however he should have too many guns for today's opponents. High Profit wasn't unfancied on his debut and should come on for that experience especially now stepping up a furlong in trip. Deadline may not have stayed the mile trip last time, however his trainer knows him best so the fact that he stays over this trip suggests that maybe he wasn't fully wound up last time out and may put up an improved show today. Above And Below completes the small field but didn't show a lot last year so will need to have improved considerably over the winter, and so for the winner we will return to Barry Hills' Palamoun to win today and go on to better things.
Deadline (UAE) 5-1 (9-4) Prominent, chased leaders 2f out, chased winner entering final furlong, kept on well but lost 2nd final 50 yards, 3rd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Alfresco (8-11) at Lingfield 1m 3yo hcp (5) pol.
High Profit (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, in rear, pushed along over 3f out, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 11l behind Daytona (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn (5) pol.
Palamoun 3-1fav (9-3) Held up in touch, headway over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, stayed on, 2nd of 15, 1l behind Perfect Star (8-12) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn auc (4) gs in Oct.
Above And Below (IRE) 66-1 (8-7) Led until over 6f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 4, 20l behind Proponent (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2yo stk (2) gs in Oct.