held up in rear, hard driven well over 2f out, soon no impression
led, quickened well over 2f out, soon ridden, headed and no extra close home
held up in rear, some late headway, never on terms
held up, never dangerous
held up towards rear, headway halfway, chased leaders over 3f out, never able to challenge
tracked leader, driven well over 2f out, stayed on under pressure to lead last strides
tracked leader, raced keenly, weakened over 2f out
A tight claimer at the weights where BEE STINGER is put forwards ahead of Naxox and Fujin Dancer. The selection was reported to have never travelled on debut for this yard at Lingfield having been claimed following his course and distance success on his penultimate outing. He has solid claims at the weights if he can bounce back to form at this venue. Solarias Quest is the highest rated runner in the field but he hasn't been out under Rules since finishing well down the field in a handicap hurdle at Towcester in April 2008. Naxox represents a yard that has been amongst the winners and is better judged on the form of his penultimate start than his latest at Southwell where he may not have been suited by the surface. Fujin Dancer moves into new territory with regard to the trip but connections must be hopeful that he'll last home and he comes into the race on the back of a couple of decent efforts. Blackstone Vegas hasn't taken to hurdling but can't be ignored back on the level whilst Quince has claims for an in-form yard but preference is for Bee Stinger.
Naxox (FR) 15-2 (9-1) Led 1f, remained prominent, weakened well over 2f out, last of 6, well behind Profit's Reality (9-7) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Dec.
Fujin Dancer (FR) 2-1 (8-13) Soon led, headed 8f out, chased leader, challenging when left in lead just over 1f out, headed towards finish, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Atacama Sunrise (8-6) at Lingfield 1m 2f clm stks 0-70 (6) pol in Dec.
Blackstone Vegas 6-1 (9-7) Chased winner, ridden over 1f out, no impression, 2nd of 9, 9l behind New Tricks (9-3) at Hamilton 1m 3f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jun.
Solarias Quest 33-1 (9-8) Mid-division, ridden over 4f out, edged left over 3f out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, 20l behind Melpomene (9-1) at Wolverhampton 1m 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan '07.
Bee Stinger 15-8fav (8-5) In touch, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, 6th of 11, 6l behind Atacama Sunrise (8-6) at Lingfield 1m 2f clm stks 0-70 (6) pol in Dec.
Royal Rainbow 25-1 (8-9) Mid-division, lost place over 6f out, good headway to track leaders entering final 2f, ridden and unable to quicken inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 1 3/4l behind Squirtle (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Mrs Slocombe (IRE) 33-1 (8-3) Mid-division, pushed along halfway, weakened over 3f out, tailed off, last of 14, 34l behind Ailsa Craig (9-0) at Bath 1m fll hcp (5) gd in Aug.
Quince (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, led over 9f out, headed over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 8, 16l behind Sircozy (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 4f app hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
