prominent, led 3f out, pushed along over 1f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong
close up, pushed along 2f out, led inside final furlong, headed final strides
dwelt headway to join leaders halfway, pushed along 2f out, faded inside final furlong
tracked leader, pushed along over 1f out, stayed on to lead final strides
quickly away, led 2f, prominent, pushed along 2f out, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, pushed along 2f out, stayed on towards finish
NonRunner
Divine Call won twice over course and distance at the end of last year though ran below par here last time when behind runner-up Furni Factors. But the latter was still beaten three lengths by Mininggold, who went on to beat PIAZON a length over track and trip a week ago. That gives Julia Brooke’s charge the edge on collateral form and he’s taken to go one better having also scored here back in November. Gorgeous General has something to find with the selection on earlier running but course regular Coiste Bodhar pops up at this level when the mood takes him.
Piazon 10-1 (9-1) Close up, pushed along and headway to chase winner over 1f out, stayed on one pace, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Mininggold (9-4) at Southwell 5f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Divine Call 11-2 (9-5) In touch, pushed along halfway, ridden and no impression final furlong, 6th of 12, 8 1/2l behind Mininggold (9-7) at Southwell 5f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Furni Factors 15-2 (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to go 2nd final strides, 2nd of 12, 3l behind Mininggold (9-7) at Southwell 5f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Gorgeous General 10-1 (8-4) Always well placed, pushed along over 2f out, ridden well over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 13, 5 1/4l behind Astraea (8-9) at Newcastle 5f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Coiste Bodhar (IRE) 33-1 (8-7) In touch, pushed along halfway, ridden 2f out, headway approaching final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 9, 6 1/4l behind Mr Strutter (9-3) at Southwell 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Sir Walter (IRE) 25-1 (8-7) Held up in mid-division, no impression over 1f out, 11th of 12, 6 1/4l behind Archimedes (9-5) at Newcastle 5f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Very First Blade 50-1 (8-2) Outpaced, 13th of 14, 10 1/2l behind Captain Lars (10-0) at Catterick 5f hcp (6) gd in Sep.