led, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened inside final furlong
keen, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, ran on same pace
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, headway 2f out, ran on to lead well inside final furlong
with leader, led 3f out, ridden and headed well over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong
held up, not clear run over 2f out, soon switched right, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong
soon in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden and headway well over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong
prominent, ridden to lead well over 1f out, headed and not quicken well inside final furlong
slowly into stride, always behind
slowly into stride, towards rear, hampered over 3f out, not clear run over 2f out, ridden and switched right over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
keen, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
A chance is taken with Sergeant Slipper, who just gets the nod over Dutch Key Card and Midmaar. It will also be interesting to see how the market reacts to Limit Down, who be making only his tenth career start. The five-year-old can potentially improve over this trip and should be capable of paying his way before too long if his capable trainer has ironed out his problems. Midmaar is another that doesn't have too many miles on the clock and comes here on the back of a fair effort last time. Consistency has been an issue with him, though, and others make a touch more appeal on balance. Dutch Key Card has shown flashes of ability - admittedly mixed in with some dire efforts - and has leading claims. This marks a step up in trip for him, but he coped well with a mile during his time with Kevin Prendergast in Ireland, so can feasibly take a hand. Nevertheless, Sergeant Slipper has also been running as if a new challenge would provide a spark for his interest and, as there are no speedballs in the line up, he rates as good value to last home in this modest company.
Annals 10-1 (8-12) In touch, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Bob Baileys (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f banded stk (7) pol in Apr.
Dematraf (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Always towards rear, 7th of 12, 11l behind Magic Amour (9-6) at W'hampton 7f sll (6) pol in Feb.
Dutch Key Card (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden halfway, kept on, 8th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Compton Classic (8-12) at W'hampton 5f banded stk (7) std in Apr.
Inescapable (USA) 40-1 (9-6) Chased winner to 4f out, stayed in 3rd until approaching final furlong, weakened quickly, 7th of 12, 8l behind Christmas Truce (8-13) at Lingfield 1m sll (6) pol in Apr.
Limit Down (IRE) 5-2fav (8-12) Prominent, effort under pressure over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 10, 6l behind Ivory Lace (9-0) at Lingfield 5f 3yo sll (G) pol in Feb '04.
Margaret's Dream (IRE) 11-2 (8-8) Dwelt, headway 2f out, led 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Fizzy Lizzy (8-11) at W'hampton 7f banded stk (7) pol in Mar.
Midmaar (IRE) 7-4fav (8-11) Led early, chased leaders, hard ridden and every chance from over 1f out, ran on, 3rd of 12, 1l behind Elms Schoolboy (8-11) at W'hampton 7f banded stk (7) pol in Mar.
Sergeant Slipper 20-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, always behind, last of 14, 15l behind Up Tempo (9-11) at Yarmouth 6f clm (6) gf in Apr.
