tracked leaders, ridden to chase and not clear run over 3f out, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, ridden over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, late progress
in touch, headway 3f out, soon ridden and weakened over 1f out
in touch, ridden 3f out, one pace
tracked leader, led 5f out, quickened clear over 3f out, all out and fading near finish
led, headed 5f out, weakened 3f out
in touch, ridden to chase leaders 3f out, ran on strongly final furlong, just denied
An intriguing little contest can go to Bolodenka, who rates as a sporting option over Areyoutalkingtome and Red Spell, while Cupid's Glory is expected to be sharper for his recent return to the fray and is one to seriously consider if the market vibes are right. Cupid's Glory - winner of the Horris Hill in 2004 - was returning from a 470-day absence when he was third at Lingfield a fortnight ago. The son of Pursuit Of Love tried to make all the running on that occasion but had nothing in reserve for the finish. All his best previous form had come when he had been held up, so it would come as no surprise to see different tactics employed this afternoon. Red Spell is capable on his day and has a solid chance on these terms. He is 1lb better off with Areyoutalkingtome from the last time they met and should be capable of shaking up the likely favourite on these terms. However, preference goes to Bolodenka, who made stealthy progress during the last turf season and, as he coped well with his only other encounter of an artificial surface, there is every reason to expect a solid run from this son of Soviet Star today.
Areyoutalkingtome 4-1 (9-7) Held up in rear, headway and switched right over 1f out, quicken to lead inside final furlong, readily, won at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec beating Qadar (8-11) by 1l, 9 ran.
Bolodenka (IRE) 20-1 (9-1) Held up, never dangerous, 24th of 33, 27l behind Formal Decree (8-9) at Newmarket 1m 1f hcap (2) gs in Sept.
Cupid's Glory 15-8 (9-0) Led, 6 lengths clear after 2f, ridden 2f out, headed and no extra final half furlong, beaten when eased near finish, 3rd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Vortex (9-5) at Lingfield 7f stk (4) pol in Dec.
Fantoche (BRZ) (8-11) 2nd of 14, 2l behind Zitromax (8-11) at Cidade Jardim 1m Grp 1 (2) sft in Sept '05.
Hattan (IRE) (9-2) Held up, effort and went 2nd over 1f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 4l behind Cherry Mix (9-2) at Capannelle 1m 2f Grp 1 (1) gd in Nov.
Kings Point (IRE) 28-1 (9-0) Raced far side, tracked leader, joined centre group halfway, lost place 3f out, 6th of 8, 6l behind Satchem (9-0) at Newmarket 1m Grp 3 (1) gs in Sept.
Red Spell (IRE) 6-4fav (9-0) Tracked leader over 4f out, driven over 1f out, pressed winner inside final furlong, always just held, 2nd of 6, hd behind Vortex (9-5) at Lingfield 7f stk (4) pol in Dec.
