tracked leaders, led briefly 3f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, bumped inside final furlong
with leader, left in lead after 6f, headed over 3f out, weakened
held up towards rear, smooth progress 7f out, led on bit, 3f out, soon clear, impressive
mid-division, in touch, ridden over 4f out, stayed on from 2f out
led until ran very wide, dropped rear after 6f, soon recovered, led briefly over 3f out, one pace after
held up towards rear, headway 5f out, soon ridden, weakened over 2f out
always behind, tailed off final 4f
held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders over 7f out, ran wide on bend 6f out, virtually pulled up after
mid-division, headway 7f out, ridden over 3f out, hung right, went 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
in touch until weakened over 4f out
Anything trained by Paul Nicholls has to be respected and his representative Kicks For Free is no exception but lack of a previous run has to be of concern and a safer bet looks to be Kimi, who is preferred to Tadius Mandziej. The last mentioned makes appeal on pedigree but trainer Philip Hobbs does not have too many winners in this grade so he may be best watched. Colin Tinkler's Boston Strong Boy showed promise on his debut at Huntingdon in October and has claims but may prefer a faster surface. Alan King's Supreme Leader mare Wyldello could be of interest, while Gold Beach has had the benefit of two starts and now encounters a softer surface for the first time but the vote goes to Kimi. Noel Chance's gelding did all but win on his first start in public when finding just Night Safe too good at Huntingdon last month. The stable's horses are in good form at present and, with further improvement to come, he looks to be the one they all have to beat.
Boston Strong Boy (IRE) 4-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, headway over 4f out, chased winner over 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out, 2nd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Midnight Spur (10-11) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (H) gf in Oct '04.
Gold Beach (IRE) 7-2 (11-1) Ran green early, took keen hold in mid-division, headway 9f out, weakened over 3f out, 7th of 18, 16l behind Ringaroses (10-13) at Ludlow 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Kicks For Free (IRE) Flemensfirth gelding out of a once-raced mare.
Kimi (IRE) 2-1fav (10-13) Held up, headway over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, led over 1f out, headed and no extra close home, 2nd of 17, hd behind Night Safe (10-11) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Lord Kernow (IRE) 25-1 (11-1) Mid-division, headway 7f out, ridden and weakened 3f out, 4th of 15, 17l behind Baron Romeo (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (H) hvy in Dec.
So Wise So Young 100-1 (11-4) Pulled hard, soon prominent, ridden 5f out, weakened quickly over 4f out, 9th of 12, 39l behind Ice Tea (11-4) at Plumpton 2m 2f nhf (H) gd in Nov.
Katy Jones 8-1 (11-0) Rapid headway to lead 9f, headed 4f out, weakened quickly, 9th of 16, well behind Ben's Turn (11-10) at Folkestone 2m 1f mrs nhf (H) gs in Nov.
Lagan Legend Midnight Legend mare out of a lightly-raced mare.
Sky By Night Riverwise mare out of Purbeck Polly.
Wyldello Supreme Leader mare, sister to the very useful bumper and hurdler Marello.
Pats Last Emarati gelding out of winning miler Bride's Answer.
Jomelamin 25-1 (10-0) In touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 13, 35l behind Milan Deux Mille (10-12) at Exeter 1m 5f nhf (H) sft in Dec.
Tadius Mandziej (IRE) Balla Cove gelding, half-brother to winning chaser Scotmail Boy.
Kyliemoss 100-1 (10-4) Mid-division, bumped along 4f out, no impression, 15th of 17, well behind Pepporoni Pete (11-4) at Wincanton 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
