led after 1f, ridden clear approaching final furlong, stayed on well
slowly into stride, behind, never dangerous
behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, never trouble leaders
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, no impression
slowly into stride and behind, headway halfway, soon ridden, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, headway over 2f out, ridden to chase winner entering final furlong, kept on
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, no impression final furlong
soon behind, never dangerous
led 1f, chased winner to over 1f out, weakened and eased final furlong
chased leaders to over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders to over 2f out, soon behind
Desert Lord is nominated ahead of Native Title and Whinhill House. Although the draw could have been kinder, Desert Lord ran a solid race at Kempton on his return and connections have made a positive booking with Jamie Spencer in the plate. The gelding has pace to burn and backers can expect a run for their money. Native Title will conversely be brought from off the pace. He ran on well at Windsor on his latest start and there are no concerns about a lack of matchfitness. Whinhill House is a likeable individual and is well drawn. He raced keenly in the early stages of his most recent outing but the handicapper is offering some respite. Wanchai Lad has been out of form for a while and will be winning races when he rediscovers his touch. Grigovitch invariably runs well at Musselburgh but is another who is poorly drawn this afternoon. Champagne Cracker did not get home on heavy going over course-and-distance and is likely to dispute in the early stages. Desert Lord has plenty of positives and he secures the nod.
Desert Lord 9-2 (9-2) Led, hard pressed inside final furlong, headed and no extra close home, 3rd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Native Title (8-6) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Mar.
Grigorovitch (IRE) 3-1fav (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden and close up over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 16, 2 1/2l behind King's Gait (9-4) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Oct.
Wanchai Lad 22-1 (8-6) Always behind stands' side, 14th of 21, 13l behind Reverence (8-5) at Doncaster 5f hcp 0-100 (2) hvy in Oct.
Bond Boy 14-1 (9-2) Pushed along early in rear, never on terms, 11th of 16, 7l behind King's Gait (9-4) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Oct.
Native Title 7-2fav (9-4) Held up, stayed on steadily final furlong, gaining towards finish, 4th of 12, 1/2l behind Auwitesweetheart (9-4) at Windsor 5f hcap (4) gd.
Whinhill House 20-1 (9-4) Took keen hold, prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, 12th of 13, 19l behind Councellor (9-0) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Mar.
The Leather Wedge (IRE) 3-1fav (8-10) Ridden 2f out, kept on until headed inside final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 13, 1l behind After The Show (8-13) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs in Oct.
Champagne Cracker 12-1 (9-12) Prominent, every chance until weakened inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 3l behind Dorn Dancer (9-3) at Musselburgh 5f fll hcp (5) hvy in Mar.
