held up, headway over 5f out, tracked leaders over 3f out, led over 2f out, pushed clear, easily
in touch, chased leaders over 4f out, hard ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
chased leaders, pushed along over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
held up, in touch, headway over 5f out, soon chasing leaders, weakened over 3f out
with leader, led after 4f, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led 4f, remained prominent, lost place over 7f out
held up towards rear, under pressure over seven out, weakened over 3f out
Nonrunner
RUSSIAN MUSIC is preferred to Dan Buoy and Pagan Starprincess. The selection chases a hat-trick after two recent all-weather victories and a 6lb rise in the weights may not be enough to stop another bold bid. He travelled strongly last time and should get the strong tempo that he needs this afternoon. Dan Buoy showed plenty of resiliance when winning here last time out; he is able to race off the same mark today and cannot be overlooked. Pagan Starprincess was a Wetherby winner when last seen in December; her mark of 55 may be lenient however this might be a pipe-opener for a return to hurdling. Sparkling Montjeu returns to the flat, again off a potentially lenient mark, whilst Spring Breeze shaped with promise here last time out and his proven stamina is in his favour. Dazzling Begum and Brandy Butter are considered, however it is Russian Music who can win again now tried over this longer trip.
Russian Music (USA) 5-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, stayed on to go clear inside final furlong, eased near finish, won at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs beating Dart (10-2) by 2 1/4l, 11 ran.
Pagan Starprincess 9-2 (8-12) Held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous, 12th of 15, 16l behind Unawatuna (8-7) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Oct.
Sparkling Montjeu (IRE) 9-1 (8-10) Prominent, chased leader over 4f out, every chance over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 12, 7l behind Prairie Hawk (8-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec '08.
Dazzling Begum 12-1 (9-2) In touch, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten, 5th of 11, 20l behind Dart (9-4) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp (0-65) (6) fbs in Dec.
Spring Breeze 5-4fav (9-13) Dwelt, soon mid-division, ridden and lost place halfway, headway under pressure over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong to take 2nd post, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 7l behind William's Way (10-9) at Southwell 2m Amateur Handicap (0-65) (4yo+) (6) fbs.
Brandy Butter 5-1 (8-7) Tracked leading pair to 6f out, close up, ridden and outpaced 3f out, no chance after, 4th of 5, 5l behind Saborido (9-4) at Bath 2m 1f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Oct.
Primera Rossa 16-1 (8-3) Held up in touch, pushed along over 3f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 10, 6l behind Winning Show (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Dan Buoy (FR) 4-1 (8-9) Always prominent, pushed along 3f out, chased winner over 1f out, no impression, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Look Officer (9-1) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
Zaffeu 16-1 (8-10) Mid-division, lost place 7f out, soon behind, 10th of 13, 36l behind Kings Maiden (8-9) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in May.
Dawn Storm (IRE) 7-2 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden and lost place over 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 11, 22l behind Russian Music (9-4) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Muntami (IRE) 20-1 (8-10) Mid-division, driven and outpaced over 3f out, soon ridden, kept on final 2f, never near leaders, 5th of 11, 8l behind Russian Music (9-4) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
