slowly into stride, ridden along in last, went 3rd and hanging right 4f out, went 2nd 2f out, led 1f out, driven out
soon tracking leader, led over 2f out, ridden, headed and gave up 1f out
behind final 4f
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
OPUS DEI is given another chance to get off the mark. A beaten favourite on his last three starts, he drops back in distance here and, favoured by the weights, will not get many better opportunities to register his first victory at the 10th attempt. Faithful Duchess has now gone 15 starts without a win but she went close over C&D last time behind Broughtons Day and should give the selection a race, but it's difficult to make a case for either Red Rani or Rose Bed under today's conditions.
Opus Dei 11-4fav (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on under pressure to go 3rd inside final furlong, no impression with leading pair, 3rd of 6, 4l behind General Tufto (9-1) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Faithful Duchess (IRE) 7-2 (8-12) Dwelt and hampered start, held up in touch, headway 2f out, tracked winner looking dangerous approaching 1f out, ridden carried head high and found nil, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Broughtons Day (9-3) at Southwell 6f mdn auc stks (6) fbs.
Red Rani 33-1 (8-12) Always behind, 6th of 8, 13l behind Crimson Queen (8-12) at Wolverhampton 5f mdn stks (5) pol.
Rose Bed (IRE) 5-1 (8-12) In rear, outpaced 4f out, ridden and edged right from over 1f out, never near leaders, 5th of 7, 18l behind Lily Wood (8-12) at Wolverhampton 6f mdn auc stks (6) pol.
