raced keenly, held up tracking leaders, good headway far side of group 2f out, ridden to lead entering final furlong, ran on well
chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, kept on same pace, no chance with winner
slowly into stride, held up towards rear, steady headway near side rail over 2f out, ridden and beaten over 1f out
led and set steady pace 2f, led again over 2f out, headed inside final 2f, chased leader, ridden and lost 2nd over 1f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders far side of group, led inside final 2f, ridden and headed entering final furlong, weakened into 4th close home
raced keenly, headway near side rail to lead 6f out, headed over 2f out, weakened quickly
pulled hard in rear, never on terms
slowly into stride, held up in last pair, headway between horses over 1f out, kept on into 3rd towards finish
VIVE LA DIFFERENCE (NAP) has had just the four outings on the all-weather and won two of them – both over course and distance. He’s been raised a further 6lb but collateral form gives him the beating of Anif. The latter also goes well on Tapeta and won over track and trip back in November while First Response scored off a 3lb lower mark here in October and is not out of this. Insurplus has plenty to find with the selection but better is expected from Dundalk winner Merricourt on only her second start for new connections.
First Response 15-8fav (8-12) Steadied and short of room start, held up, headway over 1f out, never a threat, 4th of 6, 5 1/4l behind Singing Sheriff (8-12) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (4) pol in Jan.
Paparazzi 20-1 (10-2) Held up in rear, never dangerous, 8th of 11, 24 3/4l behind Furzig (10-4) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp (4) pol in Jul.
Vive La Difference (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Taken to post early, dwelt towards rear, headway 2f out, ridden and stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Newcastle 1m hcp (5) pol in Dec beating Papa Stour (9-4) by 3/4l, 14 ran.
Merricourt (IRE) 14-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 10th of 12, 8 1/4l behind Jackstar (9-6) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
Anif (IRE) 16-1 (9-5) Tracked leaders, headway to challenge towards far side over 1f out, led 1f out, soon ridden, edged right and kept on inside final furlong, won at Newcastle 1m hcp (5) pol in Nov beating Ascot Week (9-5) by 1l, 14 ran.
Kupa River (IRE) 20-1 (9-3) Slowly away, took keen hold in rear, some late headway, never dangerous, 7th of 12, 3 3/4l behind Jackstar (9-6) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
The Game Of Life 25-1 (9-7) Steadied start, always towards rear, 8th of 9, 12 3/4l behind Ghaith (9-4) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (5) pol in Dec.
Insurplus (IRE) 7-1 (9-3) Towards rear, pushed along over 1f out, ridden and stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 14, 5 1/2l behind Vive La Difference (9-3) at Newcastle 1m hcp (5) pol in Dec.