tracked leaders, led over 4f out, soon driven, headed over 3f out, rallied to challenge well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
led early, remained prominent, led again over 8f out, headed over 4f out, weakened over 3f out
held up in touch, headway over 4f out, soon ridden and one pace
awkward start, held up, headway halfway, every chance 2f out, hard ridden to lead inside final furlong, all out
prominent, led after 2f, headed over 8f out, lost place over 5f out
prominent, pushed along over 5f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
behind, under pressure over 7f out, never dangerous
in touch, under pressure over 3f out, soon weakened
held up in touch, lost place well over 3f out
EDDIE BOY is an interesting at this level gets the vote ahead of Jonnie Skull, Repealed and Liberty Lodge. The last named is a nicely bred type that was disappointing on debut last season. However, he has been given plenty of time to get the hang of things and should not be underestimated in a weak race like this. The same comments apply to Repealed, whose yard have been hitting the post of late and a change of fortune is surely just around the corner. This fellow is a half-brother to a 10-furlong winner, so should be seen to better effect over this longer trip. Jonnie Skull has strung together a series of near misses and is in danger of becoming frustrating. However, he holds experience of the course and, as he is unexposed at the trip, an improved effort cannot be ruled out. Nevertheless, Eddie Boy sets the standard on what they have shown so far and, as this may be a touch easier than going straight into a handicap for his seasonal debut, the Michael Bell-trained is taken as the most attractive betting proposition. The step up in trip and booking of Jamie Spencer also suggest Eddie Boy's connections mean business today.
Eddie Boy 7-1 (9-3) Started slowly, in rear, stayed on steadily from 2f out, nearest finish, never near leaders, 6th of 13, 15l behind Ghanaati (8-12) at Kempton 7f 2yo mdn stks (4) pol in Oct.
Jonnie Skull (IRE) 7-1 (8-5) Pressed leader, led after 3f, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 3rd of 9, 14l behind El Bravo (8-8) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f mdn auc stks (5) pol.
Liberty Lodge (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) In touch, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong, last of 6, 16l behind Zelos Girl (8-7) at Carlisle 5f 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Aug.
Melange (USA) 66-1 (8-5) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced, 9th of 13, 9l behind Crown Choice (9-12) at Kempton 7f mdn stks (5) pol.
My Choice 66-1 (8-9) Always in rear, never on terms, 15th of 18, 20l behind Orsippus (8-10) at Goodwood 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) sft in Aug.
Repealed 28-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, green in rear, stayed on inside final furlong, 5th of 12, 11l behind Tottie (8-12) at Brighton 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Oct.
The Bully Wee 100-1 (9-3) Close up, ridden and weakened 4f out, 10th of 13, 13l behind Sopranist (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo mdn (4) gf.
Highams Park (IRE) 100-1 (9-0) Ridden halfway, always behind, 13th of 14, 33l behind Something Perfect (9-0) at Kempton 1m 2yo mdn fll (6) pol in Sep.
Indigo Belle (IRE) 100-1 (8-9) Chased leaders over 2f out, soon weakened, 12th of 20, 23l behind Shady Lady (8-12) at Redcar 1m 2yo mdn aut (6) gd in Oct.