tracked leader to halfway, regained 2nd 3f out, led well over 2f out, kept on well, driven out final furlong
led, ridden and headed well over 2f out, soon weakened
prominent, went 2nd halfway until 3f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, pushed along over 4f out, kept on one pace final 2f
chased leaders, chased winner and hung left over 1f out, no impression and lost 2nd inside final furlong
always rear division, pushed along 4f out, struggling final 3f
took keen hold, tracked leaders, headway from 3f out, chased winner 2f out until over 1f out, rallied to regain 2nd inside final furlong, not reached winner
always behind, struggling final 3f
held up, pushed along 4f out, kept on one pace final 2f
always in rear, struggling final 3f
pulled hard in rear, kept on final 2f, never in contention
Past winners of this race include Iris's Gift, Cornish Rebel and Mad Max and this looks a good renewal. Preference is for Irish recruit AL FEROF ahead of Dragon's Roost and Made In Time. The selection's experience may stand him in good stead here against some greener rivals. This former Irish point-to-pointer was a run-away winner at Fairyhouse when last seen and connections have high hopes for him. Dragon's Roost entered many peoples notebooks and also ante-post bets for Cheltenham when winning easily on debut at the track. He beat some interesting horses that day, especially Cucumber Run and looks a potential star. As does Made In Time who made mincemeat of his rivals when well-backed for a Ffos Las race. Life will be tougher here but he could be anything. Carpincho steps up from a Catterick debut, whilst Prolinx, Ramses De Marcigny and Amroth Bay are all unbeaten but this will be a quicker surface for all three. Any The Wiser's Ascot form looks solid, whilst market support for newcomer Kind Of Easy would have to be respected. A fascinating clash in store, but preference is for Al Ferof.
Al Ferof (FR) 4-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, headway to 2nd 6f out, ridden to lead 2f out, stretched clear from over 1f out, easily, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4yo nhf hvy in Dec beating Shuil Dearg (11-4) by 10l, 16 ran.
Amroth Bay 9-4fav (11-2) Made virtually all, clear over 1f out, stayed on well, won at Chepstow 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Nov beating Pure Anticipation (10-9) by 6l, 9 ran.
Any The Wiser 3-1 (11-7) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 3f out, soon chasing leaders, stayed on well final furlong, 3rd of 12, 8l behind Dunraven Storm (11-0) at Ascot 2m NH flat (4) gd in Nov.
Back At The Ranch (IRE) 9-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders and keen, ridden over 2f out, one pace, 3rd of 6, 19l behind Brackloon High (11-5) at Plumpton 2m 2f NH flat (6) sft in Jan.
Carpincho (FR) 9-2 (11-1) In touch, headway 4f out, ridden to lead when edged left 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, won at Catterick 2m mdn NH flat (6) sft in Jan beating Vannin (10-4) by 3 1/2l, 16 ran.
Dragon's Roost (IRE) 9-1 (11-4) Held up in touch, smooth headway over 3f out, tracked leader well over 2f out, switched right to stand rail over 2f out, led inside final 2f, soon quickened clear easily, won at Newbury 2m NH flat (6) sft in Jan beating Cucumber Run (11-4) by 3 1/2l, 13 ran.
Made In Time (IRE) 7-4fav (11-0) Held up, headway 4f out, led over 2f out, stayed on well, easily, won at Ffos Las 2m NH flat (6) sft in Jan beating Royal Mile (11-0) by 6l, 7 ran.
Prolinx (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, always prominent, led well over 2f out, pushed out final furlong, closed down towards finish, always holding on, won at Southwell 2m NH flat (4) std in Jan beating Inner Steel (11-0) by hd, 7 ran.
Ramses De Marcigny (FR) 7-4fav (11-2) Chased leader, led over 5f out, ran green final 2f, ran on well and in command final furlong, won at Taunton 2m 1f NH flat (5) sft in Dec beating Shakalakaboomboom (11-2) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Kind Of Easy (IRE) Kalanisi gelding out of Specifiedrisk.
Marleno (GER) 40-1 (10-12) Mid-division but well in touch, pulled hard, headway over 2f out, went close 2nd over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 15, 4 1/2l behind Tetlami (11-2) at Cheltenham 1m 6f 4yo NH flat (Listed) (1) sft in Jan.
