tracked leader, challenged going well 2f out, led just over 1f out, nudged out, easily
led, shaken over 2f out, ridden and headed just over 1f out, no impression on winner inside final furlong, kept on
raced keenly, close 3rd on inside, went wrong and pulled up over 4f out
Resumption is upped in class and raised 8lb for winning at over track and trip while Raiff is another facing a tougher task after finishing runner-up here. Desert Emperor came up short attempting to land a hat-trick last time though finished in front of Galidermes and returns to his winning distance. But PROGRESSIVE (NAP) escapes a penalty for winning an apprentices’ race at Wolverhampton a week ago and Nicky Henderson’s charge should make another bold bid having won with plenty to spare.
Resumption 11-10fav (9-9) Tracked leaders, challenged over 3f out, led going well under 3f out, shaken up 2f out, ridden and extended lead entering final 1f, went clear inside final furlong, comfortably, won at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp (5) pol in Jan beating Can Can Girl (9-7) by 4 1/4l, 9 ran.
Progressive 6-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, headway into 2nd 2f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, stayed on, won at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp (4) pol in Jan beating Chipiron (9-10) by 2 1/2l, 4 ran.
Galidermes (FR) 11-2 (8-9) Held up last, pushed along and outpaced final 2f, went moderate 3rd last strides, 3rd of 4, 7 1/2l behind Society Red (9-10) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp (4) pol in Jan.
Desert Emperor 4-6fav (9-10) Dwelt, held up in close 3rd, headway near side of group into 2nd over 1f out, ridden and stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 4, 1/2l behind Society Red (9-10) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp (4) pol in Jan.
Raiff (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Awkward leaving stalls, held up, headway and pushed along to lead 2f out, ridden 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Can Can Girl (9-0) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp (5) pol in Dec.
