behind, effort on outer over 3f out, never dangerous
led, headed 4f out, weakened over 2f out
dwelt, behind, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out
with leader, led 4f out, driven out
slowly into stride, held up behind, headway on inner over 2f out, stayed on towards finish
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge approaching final furlong, kept on towards finish
Town And Gown looks the one on official ratings and we will give John Gosden's charge one more chance ahead of Molly Ann. Newcomer Boss Hoq needs a check in the betting and whilst he doesn't scream 'winner', he is related to some fair sorts so should not be passed over without a glance. However Town And Gown is the one to beat based on her second to Wavertree Warrior and given a mini-break since, this daughter of Oasis Dream gets the nod. Molly Ann is only rated four pounds inferior to the selection and she drops in trip today which could suit given the way she weakened when a costly failure last time out. Kirkie and Marquis De Louvais may both improve after just one start, along with Helping Hand and Brunton Blue who all made average debuts. Not much confidence here, but Town And Gown can finally get off the mark.
Red Barnet 66-1 (8-5) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 2f out, 11th of 12, 8l behind Mighty Mover (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Miss Double Daisy 16-1 (8-7) Mid-division, outpaced over 3f out, hung left over 2f out, 8th of 10, 15l behind Kissi Kissi (8-12) at W'hampton 6f mdn aut stk (6) pol in Nov '06.
Boss Hog Key Of Luck colt, half-brother to 5f winner Laith.
Helping Hand (IRE) 10-1 (8-12) Raced keenly, always prominent, challenged over 2f out, edged left from over 1f out, no extra towards finish, 5th of 9, 2l behind Royal Applord (9-3) at Southwell 7f 3yo mdn (5) fbs.
Kirkie (USA) 8-1 (9-3) In rear, headway over 3f out, beaten over 1f out, 4th of 6, 7l behind Tevez (9-3) at Southwell 1m 3yo mdn (5) fbs.
Marquis de Louvois (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Started slowly and hampered start, held up in rear, stayed on under pressure final 2f, never nearer, 7th of 11, 5l behind Sparton Duke (9-3) at Kempton 6f 3yo mdn (5) pol.
Molly Ann (IRE) 5-6fav (8-12) Soon led, headed over 2f out, no chance with winner over 1f out, 2nd of 5, 6l behind Glittering Prize (8-12) at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Dec.
Town And Gown 5-2 (8-12) Led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 10, 1/2l behind Wavertree Princess (8-12) at Lingfield 5f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Nov.
Brunton Blue 14-1 (8-12) In touch, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace, 8th of 11, 5l behind My Mate Pete (9-3) at Lingfield 6f 2yo mdn auc (6) pol in Dec.
Lechero (IRE) 33-1 (8-9) Soon led, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 8, 12l behind Swift Gift (9-1) at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn auc (6) pol in Nov.
