tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, driven and stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong
tracked leader, led on bit over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, readily
dwelt, soon recoved to track leaders on outer, ridden halfway, weakened over 2f out
led, ridden over 3f out, headed over 2f out, kept on one pace and lost 2nd inside final furlong
Dimaire has little chance on these terms, while connections will be hoping the drop back to this level will spark a return to form for C&D winners On The Cusp and Dazakhee. Golden Creek is another struggling to find his best and he never threatened at this course last month when finishing around four lengths behind third-placed DOUBLE DUCHESS. The latter has an excellent chance at today's weights and scored twice over track and trip in January. Paul D'Arcy's filly can get her head back in front if running anywhere near that level today.
Golden Creek (USA) 5-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, ridden 2f out, no extra final furlong, 6th of 14, 8l behind McConnell (9-6) at Southwell 1m sell stks (6) fbs in Nov.
On The Cusp (IRE) 4-1 (9-6) Led after 1f, ridden and headed 3f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 17l behind Greyfriarschorista (9-7) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Dimaire 28-1 (8-2) Took keen hold, soon steadied in touch, weakened halfway, 9th of 11, 14l behind Regency Art (8-5) at Leicester 7f clm stks (6) gf in Oct.
Double Duchess 14-1 (8-13) Soon led, headed after 2f, led again over 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 14, 2l behind McConnell (9-6) at Southwell 1m sell stks (6) fbs in Nov.
Dazakhee 8-1 (8-10) Dwelt, in rear, headway to chase leading pair over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, soon no impression, lost moderate 3rd 1f out, 4th of 5, 24l behind Fakhuur (9-4) at Southwell 1m fll hcp (0-75) (3yo+) (5) fbs.