chased leaders, ridden and every chance entering final 2f, soon switched right, one pace final furlong
keen, in touch, chased leader over 3f out, edged left and led over 1f out, ridden and stayed on
held up, ridden halfway, never nearer
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
led after 1f, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened quickly
hampered start, held up, headway on inside halfway, soon ridden, chased leader over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken near finish
chased leaders, effort over 1f out, weakened final furlong
keen, held up, headway over 3f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, in rear, never dangerous
ridden to lead 1f, chased leader until over 3f out, soon ridden, gradually weakened
Best Lead secures the nomination here ahead of Indian Sundance and Blushing Russian. The last-named disappointed last time out as he was held before being snatched up in the final furlong. A winner over five and seven furlongs, this trip should be ideal. He may attempt to use forcing tactics once again but his jockey will need to be careful not to go off too quick in front and he may get competition up-front. For that reason he is opposed with Best Lead. He has a better draw in stall one and should put up a good show despite a 6lb rise for his latest win. He has won off 57 before so he must have every chance at the weights today. Indian Sundance only narrowly failed to pip Blushing Russian on his last run and he must be of interest today stepping up in trip. He is the most unexposed horse in the lineup and must have solid claims from a good draw. Ace Club is very much in-and-out, however he holds major claims if on a going day. With over half the field being course and distance winners this is a competitive heat, however we will return to Best Lead to build on his recent success and go in again.
Best Lead 20-1 (8-3) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, led approaching final furlong, kept on, won at Southwell 6f hcp (6) fbs beating Brut (8-10) by 3/4l, 14 ran.
Soba Jones 7-1 (8-6) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 4th of 13, 3l behind Mister Incredible (8-2) at Southwell 6f clm (6) fbs.
Creme Brulee 5-1 (8-11) Held up, not clear run over 3f out, headway over 2f out, no impression, 8th of 13, 8l behind Muara (9-0) at W'hampton 6f fll hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Ace Club 14-1 (8-10) Led until over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 11, 18l behind Wiltshire (8-12) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Prettilini 16-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon no impression, 6th of 9, 11l behind Hamaasy (9-1) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Nawayea 20-1 (9-1) Held up on outside, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, last of 6, 3 1/2l behind Sohraab (8-13) at Lingfield 5f mdn stk (5) pol.
Favouring (IRE) 11-2 (8-6) Chased leaders, ridden along halfway, one pace final 2f, 6th of 14, 9l behind Doctor's Cave (9-2) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-50 (6) fbs.
Blushing Russian (IRE) 12-1 (8-10) Tracked leader, driven to lead over 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, weakening when hampered inside final furlong, 10th of 11, 5l behind Wiltshire (8-12) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Indian Sundance (IRE) 6-1 (8-8) In touch, edged left after 1f, ran on and every chance inside final furlong, just held, 2nd of 9, shd behind Blushing Russian (8-8) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Jan.
Diktalex (IRE) 50-1 (8-8) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon weakened, 6th of 13, 9l behind Mister Incredible (8-2) at Southwell 6f clm (6) fbs.
Tuscan Flyer 33-1 (8-12) Led, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 4l behind Louisiade (9-4) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs.
