towards rear, pushed along over 6f out, never a factor
prominent, driven over 3f out, hard ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
led, headed after 3f, remained in touch, pushed along over 4f out, ridden when weakening over 1f out
dwelt and towards rear, never on terms
towards rear, pushed along over 5f out, never dangerous
towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, driven over 4f out, soon weakened
held up behind leaders, driven over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
prominent, driven over 3f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, led entering final furlong, held on gamely
mid-division, pushed along and headway over 4f out, ridden 2f out, ran on final furlon, not reach winner
prominent, pushed along over 4f out, effort when weakening 2f out
mid-division, driven over 3f out, was ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
Orange Blue can land this contest, at likely prohibitive odds, at the expense of Waterloo Corner, Esprit de Corps and Sand Repeal in a poor contest over 1m3f. Christian Von der Recke is noted for his novice hurdlers coming to these shores but rarely would a horse of the class of Orange Blue have experienced the delights of Southwell. The 4-y-o son of Laroche has palpably had problems - he has had just four runs in his career - but he has competed in three Group Three events and even ran in the German Derby, predictably finishing tailed off behind the impressive winner, Nicaron. With his highest-rated rival, Waterloo Corner, on a mark of 66, it would be a major shock if Orange Blue tasted defeat. Jamie Spencer, the champion jockey, was booked at entry stage and for those that like to play short odds, this is the one for you. The only doubt, if you can call it that, is this is Orange Blue's debut on the Fibresand. Waterloo Corner is coming off a long absence of 248 days but has some decent bits of form, notably a third behind Kelly Nicole in a 0-70 handicap at Redcar. The booking of Robert Winston is an added bonus for those keen to take on the favourite. It's hard to make a case for the others. Sand Repeal finished miles behind Sonic Anthem in a maiden here, but a better run can be anticipated from Espirt de Corps, who was reported lame after finishing a promising sixth behind Danse Spectre on his debut at Lingfield, but overall it should be an easy victory for Orange Blue and Jamie Spencer.
Antley Court (IRE) 7-1 (9-3) Led, headed 2f out, hung right over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 10, 6l behind Blue Opal (8-12) at Southwell 1m 3f mdn stk (5) fbs in Dec.
City of Manchester (IRE) 10-1 (8-6) Headed after 1f out and remained in touch, regained lead over 7f out, headed over 4f out, effort over 2f out and no impression, 3rd of 8, 26l behind Sonic Anthem (8-8) at Southwell 1m 3f app mdn (6) fbs.
Esprit de Corps 7-2 (9-0) Dwelt ,ran green in rear, headway over 1f out, finished well, 6th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Danse Spectre (8-9) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Dec.
Orange Blue (GER) 28-1 (8-9) Led to 3f out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 20l behind Day Walker (8-11) at Baden-Baden 1m 2f Grp 3 gd in Aug.
Sand Repeal (IRE) 11-10fav (8-8) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden to chase winner final 2f, 2nd of 8, 16l behind Sonic Anthem (8-8) at Southwell 1m 3f app mdn (6) fbs.
Sugitani (USA) 16-1 (9-0) Held up, ridden and headway over 3f out, kept on under strong pressure from over 1f out, never dangerous, 3rd of 6, 5l behind Sri Lipis (9-0) at Southwell 1m 4f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) fbs in Dec.
Waterloo Corner 11-2 (9-4) Held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Kelly Nicole (9-1) at Redcar 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gf in May.
Bamzooki 16-1 (8-13) Held up towards rear, some headway on inside over 2f out, never dangerous, 8th of 14, 7l behind Red Birr (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
