Beamish Prince gets a narrow vote over Lustral Du Seuil and Stan, with Classic Event and Terivic others worth a mention. Beamish Prince has improved a great deal this season, and it was no surprise to connections when he gained a convincing victory here at Wetherby on Boxing Day. He struggled a bit up the hill at Leicester next time, but still finished a creditable fourth behind Dusky Warbler, and was more at home back on this track last month when a close second to Supreme Leisure. It could be argued that he should have beaten that lesser-fancied rival, but he stuck to his task well enough and with his claimer Doug Costello taking seven-pounds off his back, he can make amends. Lustral Du Seuil was successful on the Flat in France and was a comfortable winner over hurdles at Folkestone in December. Fourth in a class B affair at Kempton last time, he should go well. Stan handled cut in the ground down under and has been consistent, but has a bit to find on the evidence so far, while Classic Event was beaten when falling behind the selection here last time and also has it to do. Terivic has potential but will need further in time, and the market should be watched for any possible springers, but Beamish Prince is a tough sort and is the pick.
Beamish Prince 2-1fav Led, challenged 3 out, soon ridden, headed after last, stayed on under pressure, 2nd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Supreme Leisure at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (E) sft in Jan.
Lustral du Seuil (FR) 9-4fav Chased leaders, effort on outer and ridden before 2 out, outpaced between last two, 4th of 9, 9l behind Coat of Honour at Kempton 2m nov hdl (B) gs in Dec.
Stan (NZ) 7-2 Held up, headway to lead 3 out, ridden and headed next, one pace, 2nd of 9, 17l behind Debbie at Catterick 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Jan.
Delgay Lad 100-1 In touch, close up 3 out, weakened 2 out, tailed off, 15th of 18, well behind Regents Walk at Newbury 2m 3f nh nov hdl (D) gd in Dec.
Iron Warrior (IRE) 100-1 In touch, ridden and hit 3 out, weakening when hit next, 9th of 21, 26l behind Classic Capers at Wetherby 2m 4f mdn hdl (E) gd in Nov.
Longterm (IRE) 15-2 Mid-division, took closer order 8th, ridden and weakened quickly approaching 3 out and pulled up 2 out in race won by Loup Charter at Windsor 3m nov hdl (E) sft in Dec, 11 ran.
Melmount Star (IRE) 25-1 In touch, ridden and weakened after 4 out, 10th of 13, well behind Vic The Piler at Newcastle 2m nh nov hdl (E) sft in Jan.
Messager (FR) behind Julia Is The Best at Auteuil 2m 1f hdl sft in May, 20 ran.
Saucy King 40-1 Always towards rear, 9th of 13, 26l behind Dont Call Me Derek at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (E) sft in Feb.
Terivic 66-1 Led, headed approaching 4th, chased winner after, every chance 3 out, no impression on winner approaching next, 2nd of 16, 3 1/2l behind Noble Request at Towcester 2m nov hdl (D) gs in Jan.
Classic Event (IRE) 7-1 Behind, headway approaching 3 out, staying on one pace when fell 2 out in race won by Supreme Leisure at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (E) sft in Jan, 14 ran.
Downing Street (IRE) 33-1 Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened, 8th of 11, 12l behind Muhaymin at Leicester 1m 2yo mdn (D) gf in Oct '03 (Flat).
Secret Bloom 50-1 Mid-division, some headway when mistake 2 out, no impression when mistake last, 7th of 12, 21l behind Devito at Leicester 2m nov clm hdl (F) hvy in Feb.
Swahili Dancer (USA) 7-1 Held up towards rear, ridden over 4f out, weakened final 3f, 5th of 8, 24l behind Feaat at Redcar 1m 2f mdn stk (D) frm in Jun (Flat).
