led strong gallop and soon clear, ridden along over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up in rear, ridden along halfway, soon tailed off
tracked leader, ridden over 3f out, led over 1f out, pushed out until eased final 100 yards
held up in 3rd, ridden along halfway, never reached challenging position
With half of the four runners trying new headgear for the first time this is a bit of a minefield, however Thunderousapplause looks the most solid option now stepped back up in trip. We know that the selection stays this mile well as she won over this trip as a three-year-old (albeit around the tight turns of Chester) on heavy ground. She ran a fair race on her reappearance behind Dudley Docker just six days ago and she is fancied to score today. Magic Echo was well fancied last time out but she wasn't up to scratch, however it may be that she takes to this surface, whilst Frontline Focus returns from an absence but has obviously had her problems and the fitting of first-time blinkers may be all or nothing. Bavarica has a bit to find on the ratings but her rider gets on well with her, however it is Thunderousapplause who gets the nod.
Thunderousapplause 8-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, led 2f out, soon headed, weakened inside final furlong, 3rd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Dudley Docker (8-8) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Frontline In Focus (IRE) 50-1 (9-2) Always behind, struggling over 2f out, 10th of 13, 9l behind Ajigolo (9-10) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Magic Echo 9-4fav (8-13) Led, headed over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong, 5th of 7, 6l behind Honorable Love (8-8) at Doncaster 1m 2f fll hcp (4) sft.
Bavarica 9-1 (11-5) Held up in touch and keen, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 9, 5l behind Rawdon (10-11) at Haydock 1m 3f amt hcp 0-80 (5) gf in Sept.
