tracked leader to over 5f out, ridden 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
in touch, went 2nd over 5f out, led on bit over 2f out, clear inside final furlong
keen, in touch, chased winner over 1f out, soon ridden, not run on
led, ridden 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon outpaced
Velvet Heights is selected ahead of Country Pursuit. John Dunlop's charge has plenty of 2's in the form and while that isn't particularly desirable, he ran a solid race at Lingfield Park over a shorter trip and there is every chance that the half-way house between 1m4f and 2m will suit. Country Pursuit beat Young Mick around Lingfield over 1m4f. Absent from the track during the summer, the market may offer the best clue. At The Money ran a decent race to finish third To Dr Sharp in a race at Newmarket over two miles. In receipt of lumps of weight, he will not be short of supporters. Most Definitely has been on a long losing run since July 2005 and his most recent performance did little to suggest that a victory was just around the corner. Velvet Heights looks the most obvious selection in a disappointing turnout for the money and we shall side with him accordingly.
Country Pursuit (USA) 14-1 (8-6) Prominent, ridden and weakened 3f out, 17th of 20, 30l behind Group Captain (9-5) at Windsor 1m 4f hcap (2) gs.
Velvet Heights (IRE) 9-2 (9-8) In touch, led briefly 2f out, chased winner after, no impression final furlong, 2nd of 9, 3l behind Kyles Prince (8-11) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Most Definitely (IRE) 50-1 (9-3) Held up in rear, headway on bit over 5f out, ridden over 2f out, found nil, 6th of 16, 21l behind Dr Sharp (9-7) at Newmarket 2m hcp 0-90 (3) gs in Oct.
At The Money 11-4fav (7-13) Prominent, outpaced over 5f out, rallied and headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 16, 5l behind Dr Sharp (9-7) at Newmarket 2m hcp 0-90 (3) gs in Oct.
