with leader, led over 1f out, ran on well
led, headed over 1f out, soon rallied, no extra final furlong
chased leaders, effort over 1f out, stayed on into 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
chased leaders, travelled strongly, effort over 1f out, faded final furlong
Dark Regard included a course and distance double in an earlier hat-trick and is not out of this having gone close again at Newcastle recently. But Simon Crisford’s yard boasts a fine strike rate at this venue and a chance is taken WILL TO WIN takes to the surface having defied a penalty in novice company to score at Wolverhampton on his first outing since June. There should be more to come from him now handicapping. Speed Merchant has been beaten over longer trips since winning over course and distance last month and is preferred to Dashing Roger.
Will To Win (GER) 5-4fav (9-5) Prominent, led over 2f out, ridden and stayed on well inside final furlong, won at Wolverhampton 6f stks (5) pol in Jan beating Shine On Brendan (8-12) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Dark Regard 7-2 (9-7) Led, pushed along over 1f out, ridden and edged left inside final furlong, headed close up, no extra, 3rd of 5, 1/4l behind Ayr Harbour (8-13) at Newcastle 7f hcp (3) pol in Jan.
Speed Merchant (IRE) 11-1 (9-5) Tracked leader, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 3 1/2l behind London Calling (9-3) at Kempton 7f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Dashing Roger 5-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, effort over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 4th of 13, 5 1/4l behind Ajax Tavern (9-5) at Lingfield 7f stks (6) pol in Dec.