raced on outside, held up, ridden and wide straight, stayed on inside final furlong, went 3rd final 100 yards
slowly into stride, held up, ridden and outpaced overf 2f out, soon beaten
slowly into stride, switched left start and held up last, nudged along on outside over 1f out, never near leaders
towards rear, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, headway final furlong, never dangerous
dwelt, behind, pushed along halfway, nudged along on inside and kept on inside final furlong, never near leaders
took keen hold, tracked leaders, effort 2f out, ran on to chase winner just inside final furlong, no impression
took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced
led, ridden 2f out, driven and headed approaching final furlong, lost 2nd just inside final furlong, no extra
took keen hold, soon pressing leader, riden to lead approaching final furlong, hard ridden and in command when edged left inside final furlong
In what looks to be a very competitive nursery the verdict narrowly goes to DESERT STRIKE ahead of all-weather debutant Fesko and last time out winner Gone Hunting. The selection is up just four pounds for his last time out victory over the minimum trip at Great Leighs and although that was a tight succcess over a well backed rival he should have enough to overcome that. He will no doubt suit the trip after a runner's up spot at Southwell two starts ago and could well make it two on the bounce. Fesko is a very progressive looking horse from Mark Johnson's yard and was a winner over five furlongs on turf last time. She is yet to try her luck on the artificial surface in her three career starts but it should suit with the doubts coming from the quality of opposition she beat last time. Gone Hunting has a six pound penalty to carry after his comfortable victory last time out at Great Leighs three days ago. Connections must be confident that it's worth another tilt so soon so watch the market to see how sure they are. Newlyn Art looks to have reached her ratings limit but still ran well last time while Grand Honour should have enough to figure but the vote marginally goes to Desert Strike.
Gone Hunting 4-5fav (8-11) In touch, chased leader approaching 2f out, switched right over 1f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, won at Great Leighs 6f 2yo clm (5) pol beating Fangfoss Girls (8-2) by 1 1/2l, 5 ran.
Misty Glade 9-1 (9-3) Keen, led, ridden, headed 2f out, soon weakened, last of 7, 16l behind Joe Caster (9-4) at Great Leighs 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Kingsgate Storm (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) Chased leader after 1f, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 8, 8l behind Major Phil (9-3) at Great Leighs 6f 2yo mdn auc (5) pol.
Grand Honour (IRE) 9-1 (9-7) Switch right from wide draw, held up, headway over 2f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, one pace and no chance with winner final furlong, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Efficiency (9-5) at Kempton 7f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Fesko 9-4 (8-12) Chased leader, driven to lead inside final furlong, stayed on well (hand timed), won at Catterick 5f 2yo mdn (5) gd in Oct beating Majuba (9-3) by 1l, 9 ran.
Love You Louis 18-1 (9-3) Led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Rainbow Seeker (9-4) at Great Leighs 5f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Riflessione 14-1 (9-1) Held up in rear, ridden 2f out, kept on never nearer, 5th of 7, 5l behind Joe Caster (9-4) at Great Leighs 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Desert Strike 11-2 (8-11) Close up, left 2nd over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on, won at Great Leighs 5f 2yo mdn auc (5) pol beating Bobs Dreamflight (8-9) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
Newlyn Art 4-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, ridden and every chance from over 1f out, driven inside final furlong, kept on same pace, took 2nd near finish, 2nd of 4, nk behind Noverre To Go (9-2) at Great Leighs 6f nov stk (4) pol.
