prominent, ridden to challenge over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway on inside of 2f out, ridden over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, ran on
held up, ridden, headway over 1f out, no extra towards finish
soon led, ridden, under pressure over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened
mid-division, headway over 5f out to chase leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
held up, lost place over 4f out, rallied to lead over 1f out, ridden, headed inside final furlong one pace
held up, ridden over 3f out, weakened final 2f
held up behind, ridden over 5f out, headway over 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, ran on
held up, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, hung left inside final furlong, ran on
tracked leaders, ridden, weakened over 3f out
held up, ridden, every chance well over 1f out, weakened final furlong
always towards rear
Colonel Bilko makes a quick reappearance and can account for Sarraaf, with Aswan, Risk Free and La Viola others to merit a mention. Colonel Bilko has not visited the winner's enclosure since the summer of 2004, but was the only one to give the long odds-on Resplendent Prince any sort of race when a 10-length second at Southwell just four days ago. He has not tried today's trip too often, but Sue Wilton's charge is well treated compared to last year, and in a weak race like this, is as good a choice as any. Sarraaf has been a good servant to connections and gained another three victories last year, but he is not getting any younger, and may benefit from a change of scenery if claimed today. He has the form to go close in this company along with Aswan. The latter goes well from the front and won a similar race to this the time before last, and if getting off to a quick start today, should be in the shake-up as well. Risk Free was in good form this time last year, but was given a lengthy break, and will be all the better for his return in November. Sure to be well tuned up, it would be no surprise if he were to go close. La Viola has some ability but needs things to drop right for her, and for the winner we prefer to take a chance on Colonel Bilko.
Aswan (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) Led 6f, soon outpaced, 7th of 14, 12l behind Chicken Soup (8-10) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Dec.
Sarraaf (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Held up mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, ran on final furlong, 3rd of 13, 3 1/2l behind Blue Patrick (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec.
Distant Country (USA) 16-1 (9-4) Held up, headway on inner over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 2l behind Owed (9-4) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs in Dec.
Familiar Affair 11-1 (9-4) Prominent, ridden halfway, soon weakened, 8th of 10, 28l behind Wessex (8-11) at Southwell 1m hcp (E3) fbs in Feb.
Locombe Hill (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, 10th of 14, 24l behind Owed (9-1) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs in Dec.
Risk Free 9-1 (8-12) Held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 13, 8l behind Western Roots (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Colonel Bilko (IRE) 14-1 (9-7) In touch, ridden halfway, stayed on final furlong but no impression, 2nd of 7, 10l behind Resplendent Prince (9-7) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs.
La Viola 12-1 (9-0) Prominent, ridden and every chance well over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 11, 10l behind Snow Bunting (9-0) at W'hampton 7f sll (6) pol in Nov.
Look At The Stars (IRE) 11-1 (8-7) Chased leader, outpaced 3f out, not much room over 2f out, stayed on same pace from over 1f out, 4th of 12, 4 1/2l behind La Viola (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 1f sll (6) pol in Nov.
Seattle Robber 20-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, headway on inside over 1f out, kept on, nearest finish, 5th of 13, 7l behind Blue Patrick (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec.
Shrine Mountain (USA) 40-1 (9-1) Prominent over 4f, 8th of 10, 16l behind Atlantic Quest (9-5) at W'hampton 7f clm (6) pol in Dec.
Wiltshire (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Held up rear, ridden and headway 2f out to be nearest at finish, 5th of 12, 8l behind Aswan (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f sll (6) pol in Nov.
Haenertsburg (IRE) 20-1 (8-7) Led until headed over 3f out, weakened quickly, 11th of 13, 21l behind Velocitas (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 1f mdn clm (7) pol in Dec.
