held up, not much room halfway, never dangerous
slightly bumped start, held up, pushed along after 2f and outpaced, ridden halfway, stayed on final furlong
tracked leader, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong
close up 3f
led, ridden halfway, hung left from over 1f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong
went left start, close up, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
close up, ridden and slightly outpaced approaching 2f out, switched right over 1f out, effort to press winner inside final furlong, just held
chased leader, ridden and carried left from over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
slowly into stride, soon behind
prominent over 3f
soon towards rear and ridden along, never dangerous
slowly into stride, held up, headway halfway, ridden to lead inside final furlong, held on well
Plenty of in-form horses in this competitive handicap and we will plump for recent winner Canadian Danehill, although a lengthy shortlist consisting of Desperate Dan, Dancing Mystery, Efistorm, Cape Presto and Egyptian Lord means that dangers are afoot everywhere. The selection has only been beaten once in his last five starts (when he didn't see out six furlongs) and after a facile course and distance win six days ago, a 7lb penalty may not be enough to stop him winning again. James Doyle takes of a handy 3lbs and from a traditionally good high draw, he looks the one to beat. Efistorm won well last time out however that was a weak claimer and he will need to step up to take this, as would Cape Presto returning from a break. Peter Grayson's Egyptian Lord is consistent and in theory his 9lb pull with the selection gives him an outstanding chance. Old-timer Dancing Mystery has solid claims, as does the formerly smart Pieter Bueghel who broke a blood vessel when last seen at this course. Rosein hasn't won over this trip since winning his maiden here and may just lack the gears to go with them early on, and therefore we will return to the in-form Canadian Danehill to score again.
Desperate Dan 5-1 (9-2) Slowly intro stride, in rear, headway over 1f out, ran on to snatch 3rd post, not trouble leaders, 3rd of 10, 3l behind Magic Glade (8-12) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb.
Pieter Brueghel (USA) 11-1 (9-2) Behind, some late headway from over 1f out, never nearer, 6th of 10, 5l behind Magic Glade (8-12) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb.
Canadian Danehill (IRE) 7-2fav (9-4) Always travelling well, tracked leader, led over 1f out, ran on, won at Southwell 5f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs beating Egyptian Lord (9-1) by 2l, 10 ran.
Figaro Flyer (IRE) 8-1 (8-9) In touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 10, 2l behind Lucayos (8-12) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Efistorm 2-5fav (9-10) Disputed lead, led just over 1f out, ran on well, won at W'hampton 5f clm (5) pol in Jan beating City For Conquest (9-6) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Rosein 4-1fav (8-8) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, no extra well inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 3l behind Connect (8-9) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Cape Presto (IRE) 4-1fav (8-6) Keen hold and prominent, driven to challenge over 2f out, soon one pace, 6th of 11, 2l behind Perfect Story (8-11) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Egyptian Lord 5-1 (9-1) Dwelt, headway halfway, chased winner inside final furlong, one pace, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Canadian Danehill (9-4) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.