prominent, led over 2f out, driven out, readily
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon driven and one pace final furlong
prominent, ridden halfway, soon driven and beaten
prominent, ridden over 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong
outpaced, ridden halfway, never dangerous
outpaced, ridden halfway, driven and no extra final furlong
outpaced, always towards rear
always behind
This looks a good opportunity for WHISKEY CREEK to add to his winning tally; the list of dangers is headed by Briery Lane and Mystickhill. The selection does have a penalty for his win last time out at Lingfield but he won with plenty in hand that day and he does have a very capable apprentice on board taking 7lbs off his back. Briery Lane showed a decent level of form last season but he has been off the track since the summer and he may be sharper for this outing. Mystickhill has yet to win a race but she has gone close several times and she was far from disgraced over this course and distance last time out. Magic Glade is a course and distance winner but Peter Grayson's 10-year-old was well held behind our selection last time and we will stick with Whiskey Creek as our choice to land the prize.
Whiskey Creek 9-4 (9-1) Made all, led, ridden and quickened 2 lengths clear 2f out, in command final furlong, ridden out, won at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol beating Arfinnit (8-6) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Decider (USA) 14-1 (8-12) With winner 3f, soon ridden, held when not much room well inside final furlong, 7th of 13, 6l behind Nickel Silver (8-13) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Mystickhill (IRE) 11-4fav (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 4l behind Now You See Me (9-0) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec.
The Geester 10-1 (9-1) In touch, pulled hard, weakened entering final furlong, 8th of 11, 7l behind Mister Thatcher (8-10) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
Piccolo Diamante (USA) 5-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, always behind, eased final furlong, last of 10, 22l behind Now You See Me (9-0) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec.
Mr Rooney (IRE) 33-1 (8-13) Led early, ridden halfway, soon weakened, 5th of 10, 6l behind Calmdownmate (8-13) at Southwell 5f app clm (6) fbs.
Briery Lane (IRE) 4-1 (9-2) Outpaced in rear, moderate late headway, 4th of 7, 5l behind Croeso Bach (8-11) at Brighton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) frm in Jun.
Twinned (IRE) 12-1 (8-6) Led, ridden, hung left and headed 1f out, no extra, 4th of 12, 2 1/2l behind This Ones For Pat (9-2) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec.
Magic Glade 16-1 (9-2) Pulled very hard in mid-division, ridden 2f out, no impression on leaders over 1f out, one pace, 6th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Whiskey Creek (9-1) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Stoneacre Baby (USA) 66-1 (8-8) Pressed leader on inside to over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, last of 8, 13l behind The Magic Blanket (8-12) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.