chased leaders, led 2f out, pushed clear (hand timed)
held up, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, no chance with winner
in touch, pushed along halfway, soon no impression
led after 1f, headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up, never dangerous
led 1f, remained prominent, pushed along halfway, weakened over 2f out
Para Siempre is selected ahead of Popolo and Silver Hotspur. Para Siempre dotted up last time out and with this assignment not looking any tougher, we are prepared to back him for a quick follow up. Popolo has had a short absence but Michael Bell's horses are running a lot better than they were so it would be folly to dismiss this entrant so readily. Silver Hotspur returns to sprinting having patently failed to stay seven furlongs last time out. Pappas Image is sure to take them along at a furious pace while Suntan Lady has had plenty of chances and has failed to take them. Not a race that will take a lot of winning and Para Siempre looks to have best credentials of those to face the judge.
Para Siempre 5-1fav (9-1) Chased leader, led 2f out, ridden out, won at Southwell 6f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Dec beating Pirner's Brig (9-6) by 7l, 13 ran.
Popolo (IRE) 11-1 (8-2) Mid-division, not much room and lost place over 3f out, soon ridden, headway over 1f out, kept on, not trouble leaders, 4th of 14, 3l behind Lady Lily (8-11) at Leicester 6f 2yo fll hcp (4) gf in Sept.
Emefdream 11-1 (9-1) Always rear division, last of 7, 12l behind Intersky Sports (8-10) at Southwell 7f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Dec.
Pappas Image 6-1 (9-3) Prominent, ridden and hung right over 1f out, faded, 6th of 11, 4l behind Daddy Cool (9-0) at Kempton 5f 3yo mdn (5) pol.
Arabellas Homer 25-1 (8-12) Pulled hard, held up, headway over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 6, 7l behind Benny The Bat (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo mdn auc (6) pol in Dec.
Suntan Lady (IRE) 16-1 (7-10) Slowly into stride, headway halfway, soon ridden, weakened final furlong, 6th of 13, 9l behind Para Siempre (9-1) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Dec.
Silver Hotspur 20-1 (8-7) Chased leader 5f, last of 8, 12l behind Sharpazmax (9-5) at Lingfield 7f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.