mid-division, headway over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
prominent, lost place halfway, ridden, rallied 6f out, weakened over 2f out, hung right over 1f out
behind, headway over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened 2f out
behind, headway over 4f out, weakened over 3f out
keen, mid-division, headway after 6f, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway half way, went 2nd over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
with leader, led over 6f out, driven out
mid-division, lost place after 5f, soon tailed off
led to over 6f out, weakened over 5f out
keen, mid-division, headway after 6f, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
Victor Daly, Sword of Damascus and Rapallo look the three to concentrate on in this competitive bumper and the vote is given to Victor Daly. The selection won well on his debut when beating Cloudina. That form has since been franked and with his jockey claiming the penalty off him he is taken to win again under conditions that suit Sword Of Damascus rates the main danger on his best form but he was slightly disappointing behind Burnt Oak last time and his best form is on a much softer surface and for that reason he is opposed. Rapallo was fourth behind the selection on his debut and in receipt of seven pounds he should get closer but he still has a little to find. Of the remainder Sobers is held in high regard but has not progressed as expected but this faster surface should suit but for the winner we return to Victor Daly who sets a fair standard.
Victor Daly (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway 5f out, ridden to lead approaching 3f out, ridden out, won at Towcester 2m nhf (H) gs in Dec beating Cloudina (10-8) by 3 1/2l, 14 ran.
Celtic Society (IRE) Moscow Society gelding out of Final Peace.
Devils And Dust (IRE) Needle Gun gelding out of an unraced mare.
Rapallo (IRE) 15-2 (10-11) Held up, headway 4f out, ridden 3f out, stayed on, 3rd of 14, 6l behind Victor Daly (11-4) at Towcester 2m nhf (H) gs in Dec.
Sobers (IRE) 4-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, one pace from over 1f out, 5th of 16, 8l behind According To Pete (11-6) at Catterick 2m nhf (H) gd in Nov.
Sword of Damascus (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Prominent, led 4f out until 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 16, 11l behind Burnt Oak (11-2) at Cheltenham 1m 4f nhf lst (1) gs in Jan.
Top Ram (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway over 5f out, weakened and eased just over 1f out, tailed off when pulled up in race won by Hot 'n' Holy (11-4) at Chepstow 2m nhf (H) gs in Dec, 11 ran.
Lilian Alexander 25-1 (10-7) Led, keen, saddle slipped, headed halfway, soon tailed off, 11th of 14, well behind Barton Belle (10-12) at Wetherby 1m 6f mrs nhf (5) sft in Jan.
