tracked leader, led over 4f out, headed over 1f out, ridden, outpaced by winner final furlong, but clear 2nd
steadied rear, effort, ran green from 3f out, soon no impression
chased leaders until weakened under pressure 2f out
led to over 4f out, weakened rapidly
chased leaders until weakened under pressure 3f out
mid-division, ridden, stayed on same pace final 2f
held up in mid-division, smooth headway over 3f out, led over 1f out, pushed clear final furlong
chased leaders to 5f out, weakened rapidly, tailed off when pulled up over 1f out
mid-division, under pressure 3f out, soon behind
held up towards rear, kept on steadily final 2f, never nearer
in touch, headway to chase leaders 4f out, one pace final 2f
Those with racing experience make limited appeal with last month's course and distance fifth Forest Emerald probably the pick of them so this is likely to go to one of the newcomers and the vote goes to Pressgang, who is preferred to Crofters Lad and Fleur des Pres. The last mentioned is a French bred filly related to several winners on both the flat and over hurdles and, hailing from the Brendan Powell stable that has had a few winners of late, has to be respected. Emma Lavelle's Otantique, who is also French bred, may want further and more time while the Clive Cox-trained Secret Moment is far from certain to stay even this trip. Crofters Lad makes plenty of appeal on pedigree and the Venetia Williams-trained son of Almutawakel cannot be ruled out with any confidence but marginal preference is for Pressgang. Trainer Paul Webber does well with his runners in this grade and this Unfuwain half-brother to the useful Big Moment looks a likely type on paper.
Auburn Grey Environment Friend gelding out of 1m4f winner Odyn Dancer.
Crofters Lad (IRE) Almutawakel gelding out of a lightly-raced maiden.
Gentle John (FR) Le Balafre gelding, half-brother to a winner in France.
Hakumatata 50-1 (10-12) Took keen hold in rear, some headway over 3f out, no further progress, 14th of 16, 41l behind Burnt Oak (11-2) at Cheltenham 1m 4f nhf lst (1) gs.
Handel With Care (IRE) King Of Kings gelding, half-brother to 2 winners between 7f & 1m2f.
La Bonne Vie 66-1 (10-12) Chased leaders to over 4f out, soon weakened, 16th of 18, 39l behind Dand Nee (10-5) at Doncaster 1m 5f nhf (H) gf in Dec.
Lord Raffles Zafonic gelding, full brother to 1m2f winner Awaken.
Otantique (FR) Lute Antique gelding out of Gracieuse Antique.
Pressgang Unfuwain gelding, half-brother to the versatile Big Moment and 1m2f winner Successor.
Secret Moment Polar Prince gelding out of 1m & 1m4f winner Inchtina.
Stingray (IRE) Danehill colt, half-brother to two winners on the flat.
Trooper Lee (IRE) Wizard King gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Fleur des Pres (FR) Robin Des Pres filly, half-sister to 1m1f winner Kelbelange.
Forest Emerald (IRE) 33-1 (10-9) Rear of mid-division, stayed on final 2f but never a danger, 5th of 19, 6l behind Inherent (10-12) at Newbury 1m 4f mrs nhf (H) gs in Dec.
Kilmeena Magic Fumo Di Londra filly out of a moderate racemare.
Palaver Kris filly, half-sister to 3 winners between 1m & 1m6f.
Rosenfirth (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Always in rear, 18th of 19, well behind Inherent (10-12) at Newbury 1m 4f mrs nhf (H) gs in Dec.
