tracked leaders, driven to challenge over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on well
led, hard pressed over 1f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra close home
slowly into stride, chased leaders, soon outpaced, never dangerous
chased leader, hard ridden halfway, switched left and effort over 1f out, soon no impression
Trans Sonic disappointed in a similar contest over 7f here last week despite the favourable terms and, though today's longer trip may suit him better, it could be a similar story here. Mcconnell added to last month's C&D win with a victory at Kempton last time and he should be in the mix but he has a bit to find with RIVER ARDECHE on earlier running at this track. The latter won a seller over C&D in December by four lengths and Tracy Waggott's charge can go in again today. Sofias Number One is harder to fancy as he looks up against it at the weights in this company.
McConnell (USA) 16-1 (8-8) In rear, headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, kept on well, won at Kempton 7f 4yo clm stks 0-70 (5) pol beating Twinkled (8-4) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.
River Ardeche 20-1 (9-1) Made all, shaken up over 1f out, drew clear final furlong, eased near finish, comfortable, won at Southwell 1m sell stks (6) fbs in Dec beating Marvo (9-1) by 4l, 7 ran.
Sofias Number One (USA) 5-1 (9-7) Pushed along towards rear, ridden halfway, headway over 3f out, one pace final 2f, 6th of 10, 11l behind Caledonia Prince (8-7) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Trans Sonic 3-1 (8-12) Tracked leader, joined leader over 4f out, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 7, 5l behind Imprimis Tagula (8-12) at Southwell 7f sell stks (6) fbs.