edged right start, sent forward from wide draw, made all, hard driven over 1f out, ran on strongly
mid-division, headway over 1f out, never nearer
always behind
held up, never dangerous
in touch, headway over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, kept on well
tracked leader, hung left under pressure over 1f out, no extra closing stages
chased leaders, effort over 1f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, headway over 1f out, weakened final furlong
always behind
held up in rear, never a factor
Knockout Blow bids for a hat-trick of course and distance wins having beaten several of these last time, including third-placed LITTLE MISS LILLY. But that was the latter’s first outing for nearly a year and, with Amelia Glass taking 7lb off her back today, she’s taken to reverse running and come out best. Catheadans Fury, Perfect Symphony, Mercers and Porto Ferro all finished behind the selection last time though the first-named had to be switched and may finish closer with a clear run. Royal Dynasty should do better back over today’s trip but Falcao’s only win on the all-weather in 18 attempts so far came at Southwell.
Royal Dynasty 11-1 (9-3) Held up in mid-division, some headway over 1f out, never going pace to reach leaders, 7th of 13, 3l behind Holiday Magic (9-4) at Kempton 7f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Knockout Blow 6-1 (9-4) In rear, wide and headway inside final furlong, ridden and ran on to lead towards finish, won at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec beating Bernie's Boy (9-3) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Bahamian Heights 3-1 (9-5) Led to post, refused to race, at Chelmsford City 6f hcp (6) pol in Sep.
Catheadans Fury 7-1 (9-7) Dwelt held up, headway inside final furlong, nearest finish, 6th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Knockout Blow (9-4) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Little Miss Lilly 16-1 (9-4) Close up, pushed along over 1f out, ridden and kept on one pace, 3rd of 11, 1l behind Knockout Blow (9-4) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Perfect Symphony (IRE) 9-1 (9-5) Raced wide tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, short of room towards finish, 7th of 11, 2 3/4l behind Knockout Blow (9-4) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Falcao (IRE) 20-1 (8-13) Keen, tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 2 1/4l behind Bedtime Bella (9-3) at Southwell 6f stks (5) pol in Nov.
Mercers 20-1 (9-2) In touch, pushed along over 1f out, effort inside final furlong, keeping on when short of room towards finish, 8th of 11, 4l behind Knockout Blow (9-4) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Tawaafoq 25-1 (9-3) Took keen hold, soon close up, led briefly over 1f out, weakened final 100 yards, 7th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Seraphim (9-6) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Porto Ferro (IRE) 9-1 (9-1) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakening when short of room inside final furlong, 9th of 11, 5 3/4l behind Knockout Blow (9-4) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Major Assault 14-1 (9-7) Mid-division, not clear run over 1f out, edged left, never on terms, hampered towards finish, 7th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Papa Delta (9-7) at Chelmsford City 6f hcp (7) pol in Oct.
Kath's Lustre 11-2 (9-2) Raced wide tracked leaders, pushed along to chase winner entering final furlong, kept on one pace, 3rd of 12, 2l behind The Lacemaker (9-2) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
