held up in 7th, pushed along over 2f out, soon one pace, never troubled leaders
tracked leading pair, challenged on bit over 2f out, led well over 1f out, ridden and pressed over 1f out, stayed on well to assert final 100 yards
led, driven and joined 2f out, soon headed, weakened over 1f out
in touch in 5th, effort over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
chased leader until over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
slowly into stride, behind, headway over 2f out, kept on to 3rd towards finish, never any chance with leading duo
With Ryan Moore booked for the ride on PEPONI the intention looks serious and the colt can see off Suited And Booted, Christmas Carnival and Yarra River. Peter Makin's son of Kris Kin has to give weight away as an older horse but he has shaped with plenty of promise in two fair all-weather maidens to date. On his most recent run he was only beaten by a rival who subsequently went close off a mark of 73 in handicap grade before unfortunately breaking down when looking likely to win next time. The step back up in trip should suit and because of some horses with sexier claims he should start a fair price. Business Bay shaped with promise at Wolverhampton, however the bigger threat may be the 80-rated Christmas Carnival who has run in two decent Newbury maidens and should appreciate this easier grade. New Code is not to be ignored with the potential to step up hugely on an ignominious HQ run, Suited And Booted seemed to throw away a good opportunity at Lingfield last month, whilst Yarra River is visored as connections look to coax a win out of him on his seventh start. Calm And Serene looks the best of the fillies, however we're happy to take a chance on Peponi.
Cheers Big Ears (IRE) 6-1 (8-9) Dwelt, mid-division, improved to track leaders 2f out, ridden and went 3rd, hung left 1f out, switched right and stayed on towards finish, 3rd of 10, 1 1/4l behind Malapropism (8-12) at Lingfield 6f app hcp 0-55 (6) pol in Oct.
Peponi 6-5fav (9-3) Led, headed over 4f out, chased leader, ridden to lead again entering final 2f, headed and edged left inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Celtic Sovereign (9-3) at Kempton 7f mdn auc stks (6) pol in Dec.
New Code 20-1 (9-3) Towards rear, never nearer, 6th of 9, 11l behind Diescentric (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 3yo mdn (4) gf in Apr.
Suited And Booted (IRE) 13-8fav (9-3) Chased leaders, led over 1f out, ridden and ran on final furlong, headed last stride, 2nd of 9, shd behind Beachfire (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 3yo mdn auc stks (5) pol in Apr.
Yarra River 11-8fav (8-12) Prominent, led over 3f out, headed insie final furlong, kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 2 3/4l behind Seafarer (8-12) at Bath 1m mdn auc stks (6) fm in Apr.
Barberhoney 100-1 (9-0) Behind, pushed along and headway final furlong, never near leaders, 7th of 13, 10l behind Circus Girl (9-0) at Windsor 1m 3yo fll mdn (5) gf in Apr.
Bibiana Bay 200-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, soon in mid-division, hampered well over 2f out, soon ridden and weakened, 11th of 13, 11l behind Edinburgh Knight (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn stks (5) pol in Feb.
Calm And Serene (USA) 20-1 (8-12) Took keen hold, tracked leader to over 6f out, steadied in touch, pushed along when not much room 3f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 7, 10l behind Avon Lady (8-12) at Brighton 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Oct.
Distant Waters 40-1 (9-0) Pushed along 4f out, always behind, 8th of 10, 13l behind Gertrude Bell (9-0) at Newbury 1m 2f 3yo fll mdn (4) gd in Apr.
Business Bay (USA) 13-2 (9-3) Led and disputed lead until ridden over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong, eased near finish, 3rd of 8, 5l behind Arctic Cosmos (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f 3yo mdn auc stks (6) pol in Apr.
Christmas Carnival 16-1 (9-3) Always prominent, pushed along over 2f out, led well over 1f out, soon headed and edged right, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 1 1/2l behind Colonel Carter (9-3) at Newbury 1m 3yo mdn (4) gd in Apr.
Wide Ranging 14-1 (9-3) Chased leader, ridden well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 11th of 13, 8l behind Art Excellence (9-3) at Kempton 1m 2yo mdn auc stks (6) pol in Oct.
