prominent, chased winner 8f out until ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
made all, clear over 1f out, ran on well
held up in 4th, headway 3f out, ridden to chase winner 2f out, soon edged left, no impression
chased winner 3f, pushed along over 3f out, hung left, one pace final 2f
Again there is a disappointing turnout for the fourth race on the card with just the four runners set to face the starter and it is hard to get away from Ski Sunday, who gets the vote with Leamington and Alcimedes rated the main dangers. The selection showed improved form for the step up in trip when successful at Kempton last time and is taken to defy the penalty for that success, with connections now safe in the knowledge that he stays. Mark Johnston's Shaftesbury is lightly raced and has improved with each start so has to be respected but needs to improve to trouble the judge. Stable companion Leamington was good value for his win at Wolverhampton last time and is the preferred mount of Greg Fairley so has to be respected. Peter Chapple-Hyam's Alcimedes looks to be going the right way and has to be considered but preference is for Ski Sunday.
Alcimedes 16-1 (9-4) Towards rear, ridden 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, never troubled leaders, 4th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Boomtown (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Leamington (USA) 3-1 (8-9) Always prominent, led 3f out, soon ridden, hung left over 1f out, kept on, won at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (4) pol in Jan beating Martyr (9-2) by 3/4l, 4 ran.
Ski Sunday 11-10fav (9-2) Raced keenly, tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, clear final furlong, ridden out, comfortably, won at Kempton 1m 2f 3yo hcp (6) pol in Jan beating Arabesque Dancer (8-13) by 2l, 9 ran.
Shaftesbury (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) Towards rear, ridden over 4f out, headway 2f out, not trouble leaders, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Boomtown (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) pol in Jan.