prominent, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed approaching final furlong, kept on same pace
towards rear, never dangerous
mid-division, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
took keen hold to lead, hung right and headed over 4f out, soon behind
prominent, ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead approaching final furlong, kept on
mid-division, soon chased along, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong
tracked leader, led over 4f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
towards rear, effort over 2f out, no impression
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
towards rear, headway on inner over 2f out, ridden and no extra final furlong
always behind
Nonrunner
Augustine, Mister Benji and Speakerboxxx are the three to concentrate on in a tight finale and the vote is given to Mister Benji. The selection was a good second behind Speed Dial Harry last time and as that form has since been franked he looks to have solid claims. Speakerboxxx is a rare runner on the all-weather for trainer Paul Cole but he was disappointing last time in a claimer and on that basis he is hard to put forward with any confidence. Augustine is worthy of respect as he was a good second last time out over a mile here behind Greenbelt, but this drop in trip is not sure to suit and for that reason we will pass him over. Golden Square is from a yard in form and is worth noting in the market after an absence from the track, but for the winner we will return to Mister Benji whose form looks rock solid in the context of this race.
Augustine 4-1 (8-11) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to chase winner over final furlong, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Greenbelt (8-11) at Southwell 1m hcp (6) fbs in Dec.
Mister Benji 25-1 (8-9) Held up, headway 3f out, led inside final furlong, headed close home, 2nd of 14, hd behind Speed Dial Harry (9-9) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
Nevinstown (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, always behind, last of 12, well behind Preskani (9-1) at Southwell 1m hcp (6) fbs in Dec.
Golden Square 5-1 (8-11) Always prominent, led over 2f out, soon strongly pressed, headed and no extra near finish, 2nd of 14, nk behind Prince Vettori (8-11) at Southwell 1m mdn claim (7) fbs in Oct.
Prince of Gold 5-1 (9-2) Started slowly, headway over 1f out, ran on to lead close home, won at W'hampton 7f banded stk (7) pol in Dec beating Mount Royale (8-13) by a nk, 12 ran.
Speakerboxxx 33-1 (8-13) Mid-division, headway over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 12, 7l behind Mystic Man (9-5) at W'hampton 7f clm (5) pol.
Lady Suesanne (IRE) 11-2 (9-7) Held up, ridden, headway over 2f out, soon one pace, 7th of 14, 6l behind Magic Amour (9-5) at Southwell 7f banded stk (7) fbs.
Ardkeel Lass (IRE) 15-2 (8-11) With leader until over 1f out, ridden and kept on one pace, 4th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Miracle Ridge (8-13) at Southwell 5f banded stk (7) fbs.
