mid-division, ridden along and headway over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
in touch, ridden along over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
prominent, ridden along halfway, weakened final furlong
led, pushed along halfway, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
dwelt, always rear division
held up, headway over 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong
towards rear, headway over 2f out, every chance approaching final furlong, driven and kept on same pace
prominent, ridden to lead briefly over 1f out, headed and kept on same pace
slowly into stride and behind, never dangerous
held up, smooth progress over 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on gamely final furlong
prominent, ridden along over 2f out, soon beaten
towards rear, never dangerous
Prince Of Gold is chanced against Barzak and Linton Dancer. Prince Of Gold is on a long losing run but his third to Cleveland wasn't a bad effort and at the likely odds, he does make a modicum of appeal. Barzak is moderate but is in form. Roy Bowring's charge won a similar race over six furlongs and could be worth another chance over seven despite a recent reverse. Linton Dancer's experiments with middle distances have been brought to a close and there could be an obvious opportunity if the half-way house of this trip suits. Christian Bendix showed form over six furlongs at Southwell albeit some time ago. Cankara would be of some interest if the money is down this afternoon. Cuesta Canyon is a long standing maiden although Alan McCabe's team are in form and it would be no surprise to see him being good enough in a bad race. Lingfield specialist Mon Petite Amour takes a first run at Southwell and could be worth a look if the market vibes are positive. Joking John returns from absence. Not the greatest contest ever to be staged at Southwell and Prince Of Gold secures our recommendation in the finale.
Barzak (IRE) 6-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, one pace final 2f, 5th of 13, 2l behind Bodden Bay (8-13) at Southwell 6f hcap (6) fbs.
Christian Bendix 11-1 (8-7) Led to 4f out, weakened over 2f out, virutally pulled up over 1f out (bled from the nose), last of 13, well behind Penel (7-13) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in May.
Linton Dancer (IRE) 25-1 (8-12) In touch, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed just inside final furlong, not quicken, 3rd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Thistimesforgood (8-12) at W'hampton 7f 3yo mdn (5) pol.
Mon Petite Amour 11-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, raced centre, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 16, 4 1/2l behind Bodden Bay (8-10) at Leicester 7f sll hcp (6) gs in Oct.
Prince of Gold 12-1 (9-1) Dwelt, headway halfway, effort when switched left over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Cleveland (8-8) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs.
Monkey Madge 9-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden and weakened over 3f out, 8th of 13, 10l behind Legal Lover (8-12) at Southwell 1m banded stk (7) fbs.
Cuesta Canyon (IRE) 14-1 (8-7) Mid-division, edged right over 2f out, ridden to challenge 2f out, every chance over 1f out, no extra, 6th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Jennverse (8-13) at Kempton 6f banded stk (7) pol in Oct.
Joking John 7-1 (7-13) Tracked leaders and keen early, ridden over 3f out and soon weakened, 5th of 6, 15l behind Noble Nova (9-6) at Hamilton 1m hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Jul.
