dwelt and towards rear, headway on inner 2f out, one pace final furlong
took keen hold behind leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
prominent, ridden halfway, soon beaten
mid-division, headway over 1f out, one pace final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
always rear division
prominent, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
made all, shaken up 2f out, kept on final furlong
prominent, effort over 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
dwelt, soon close up, effort over 2f out, soon beaten
towards rear, headway on inner 2f out, stayed on final furlong
Monetary Fund, Upper Key and Russian George are the trio to look at here, with RUSSIAN GEORGE taken to continue his progressive profile. Kevin Ryan landed a treble here last weekend and he introduces a son of Exceed and Excel, Upper Key. He is a half brother to four previous winners, indeed only one of the dam's progeny have failed to score. This is a contest lacking in depth and he can reach the frame. Monetary Fund is respected, and after running a blinder on debut in a hot Newmarket maiden in October, he stayed on nicely in the closing stages on a return visit to Headquarters on his re-appearance. He is a leading contender here. Russian George has a little to find on the handicapper's ratings, but he has progressed with each run, last seen when finishing a close second in a Newmarket nursery in September. The winner has won again since, and the third has been placed at Listed level so the form is solid. The Newmarket run came over seven furlongs on fast ground, and he was staying on at the finish. Conditions look tailormade for Russian George to lose his maiden tag.
Bestowed 100-1 (9-9) Always in rear, lost touch final 4f, tailed off, 14th of 15, 30l behind Libel Law (8-11) at Windsor 1m 2f mdn stks (5) gf in Apr.
Blastie Josr Algarhoud gelding out of Passerella.
Call of Ktulu (IRE) 66-1 (8-12) Reminders early, headway to lead 7f out, ridden over 4f out, headed over 3f out, weakened well over 2f out, last of 8, 49l behind Sabre Light (8-13) at Yarmouth 1m 1f 3yo sll (6) gf in Jun.
Funky Munky 16-1 (9-13) Held up, weakened 2f out, 9th of 11, 11l behind Desire To Excel (8-13) at Musselburgh 7f mdn stks (5) gf in Apr.
Bobeachway (IRE) 28-1 (9-3) Towards rear, ridden over 3f out, never troubled leaders, 7th of 11, 16l behind African Art (9-3) at Haydock 1m 3yo mdn (5) gf in Apr.
Flynn's Island (IRE) 50-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 7th of 13, 11l behind Ishe Mac (8-5) at Thirsk 7f 3yo mdn (4) gf.
Monetary Fund (USA) 15-2 (9-3) Keen, held up towards rear, switched right over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on final furlong, never nearer, 6th of 13, 8l behind Sopranist (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2f 3yo mdn (4) gf in Apr.
Russian George (IRE) 14-1 (7-13) Chased leaders, every chance over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Johnmanderville (8-1) at Newmarket 7f 2yo hcp 0-95 (3) gf in Sep.
Son Of Monsieur Monsieur Bond gelding out of Triple Tricks.
Upper Key Exceed And Excel gelding out of Ard Na Sighe.
Soviet Rhythm 7-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, switched stand side 2f out, kept on final furlong, 8th of 12, 10l behind Misty Glade (9-2) at Catterick 6f 2yo hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Oct.
Starla Dancer (GER) 6-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 13th of 15, 17l behind Speedy Guru (8-4) at Pontefract 6f 2yo mdn aut (5) gs in Oct.
