chased leaders, effort over 2f out, weakened well inside final furlong
held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, chased leaders inside final furlong, ran on, never reached winner
led, strongly challenged 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, faded closing stages
held up, headway over 1f out, soon chasing leaders, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish
behind, headway over 1f out, never on terms
mid-division, headway approaching final furlong, never on terms
in touch, weakened over 2f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, under pressure over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, led approaching final furlong, held on well
slowly into stride, mid-division, weakened over 2f out
keen in mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
dwelt, held up in rear, headway over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
Duke Cosimo went very close here recently and another bold bid is expected. He finished in front of Avenue Of Stars, Johnny Cavagin and fourth-placed KENTUCKYCONNECTION on that occasion but that was the latter’s first start since October. Bryan Smart’s charge should be sharper today and having tumbled 19lb down the weights since this time last year, may finally bring an end to a long losing run. Epeius finished runner-up over track and trip before struggling at Southwell and Smugglers Creek won over 7f here in November.
Kentuckyconnection (USA) 16-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Athollblair Boy (9-8) at Newcastle 6f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Bobby Joe Leg 10-1 (9-5) Led 1f, prominent, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 10 1/4l behind Paparazzi (9-0) at Newcastle 1m hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Smugglers Creek (IRE) 10-1 (8-13) Led, ridden inside final 2f, headed 1f out, gradually weakened final 100 yards, 4th of 7, 5 1/4l behind Rey Loopy (9-6) at Newcastle 7f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Epeius (IRE) 7-2 (8-13) Raced wide towards rear, ridden halfway, never on terms, 7th of 9, 4 3/4l behind The Right Choice (9-3) at Southwell 6f stks (5) pol in Dec.
Duke Cosimo 14-1 (8-8) Towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, gaining close home, 2nd of 9, shd behind Athollblair Boy (9-8) at Newcastle 6f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Rock Warbler (IRE) 7-2fav (9-5) Dwelt towards rear, headway towards far side over 1f out, stayed on one pace inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 3 1/4l behind Mudawwan (9-8) at Newcastle 7f hcp (5) pol in Sep.
My Name Is Rio (IRE) 14-1 (9-4) Towards rear, outpaced 2f out, never a factor, 7th of 11, 6 3/4l behind Mininggold (9-4) at Southwell 5f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Johnny Cavagin 14-1 (8-11) Took keen hold, held up, pushed along 2f out, ridden and headway inside final furlong, not trouble leaders, 5th of 9, 5 1/4l behind Athollblair Boy (9-8) at Newcastle 6f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Rizzle Dizzle 50-1 (8-12) Raced keenly, led 1f, tracked leader over 1f, handy 3rd, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 4 3/4l behind Zafaranah (9-6) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp fll (5) pol in Jan.
Avenue Of Stars 11-2 (8-8) Led, pushed along 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 3rd of 9, 3 1/4l behind Athollblair Boy (9-8) at Newcastle 6f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Dubai Elegance 80-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, driven over 2f out, soon lost place, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 18 3/4l behind Paparazzi (8-13) at Newcastle 1m hcp (4) pol in Jan.
Broken Wings (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) Prominent, hard driven over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, eased, last of 13, 29 1/4l behind Grey Destiny (9-2) at Southwell 7f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Soldier Blue (FR) 3-1fav (9-4) Mid-division, chased leaders over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to take narrow 2nd well inside final furlong, no impression with winner, 2nd of 11, 3 1/4l behind Ingleby Molly (8-9) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (6) pol in Jul.
