soon led, set strong pace, ridden inside final 2f, driven, found nil and headed inside final furlong
held up in rear, pushed along and struggling final 3f
raced in 4th, went 3rd over 6f out, driven along and one pace final 2f
slowly into stride, soon tracking leader, ridden over 2f out, hard ridden and closed to lead inside final furlong, readily
held up, went 4th over 4f out, driven and outpaced over 2f out, beaten after
raced in 3rd until over 6f out, pushed along and struggling final 3f
In this opening claimer it's hard to look past Acropolis but we will with BRIDGEWATER BOYS while Teasing should push the selection all the way. Ian Semple's Acropolis is rated 23lbs better, off a mark of 93, than his nearest rivals and has won off a rating even bigger than his current ranking. He once finished second behind Sublimity on the level off 120 but since then times have been tough and it is unclear whether he'll handle the surface. Bridgewater Boys for Gary Moore, our selection, loves the polytrack and loves it even more here. His record currently reads at four wins from six starts here with the latest over distance in October. He's well in with the weights, compared to if this was a handicap and he should find enough to beat the first mentioned. Teasing is the other to consider as a winner after some decent displays in the last few runs, however this trip looks to be at the very edge of her capabilities while Climate could be value for a place but to win it we go with Bridgewater Boys.
Acropolis (IRE) 50-1 (8-12) Mid-division, effort over 4f, soon beaten, 18th of 21, 32l behind Tropical Strait (8-13) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcap (2) sft in Nov.
Lancaster Lad (IRE) 33-1 (9-1) Took keen hold, held up, ridden and no headway final 2f, 11th of 12, 9l behind Star Strider (9-5) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Climate (IRE) 33-1 (8-9) In touch, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra towards finish, 5th of 9, 4l behind Formidable Guest (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) std.
Bridgewater Boys 8-1 (9-6) Held up, not clear run over 2f out, switched right and headway well over 1f out, kept on to take 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 5l behind Heathyards Pride (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 4f clm (6) pol.
Obrigado (USA) 7-2 (9-11) Steady start, steady headway on outside 3f out, ridden and hung left final furlong, no further impression, 6th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Wind Flow (9-11) at Lingfield 1m 4f sll (6) pol in Nov.
Tenement (IRE) 25-1 (8-8) Mid-division, pushed along and outpaced approaching 2f out, ran on under pressure final furlong, 4th of 13, 5l behind Rapid City (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2f clm (6) pol.
Teasing 17-2 (9-4) Held up in rear, good headway to chase leaders over 6f out, ridden over 2f out kept on final furlong, 5th of 10, 2l behind Quick Off The Mark (8-7) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
