chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, ran on
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on
led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, weakened towards finish
with leaders, every chance over 2f out, ridden and not much room well over 1f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, weakening when bumped over 1f out
slowly away, behind, raced wide over 2f out, never dangerous
slowly away, behind, ridden over 2f out, headway final furlong, stayed on
held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, one pace
mid-division, ridden and bumped over 1f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, towards rear, headway and switched right over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
outpaced towards rear, headway on inner over 1f out, no impression
The draw has led us to shortlist Savile's Delight, who is the selection, Tag Team and Hammer Of The Gods, although the latter has a 322-absence to overcome. Savile's Delight is now just a pound below his course and distance winning form of last February and, still being well-weighted based on his summer Turf form, has to come into things from his good draw. Tag Team's draw also gets him onto the list, although his best recent efforts have come in claimers and he has yet to win here. And Hammer Of The Gods gets a shout because he looked progressive when winning last time, but that lack of a recent run is a worry. Edged In Gold, who is six pounds better off for three lengths with Cashel Mead based on recent course and distance form from an amateur riders' race, would have got a shout but, in keeping with a number of these, his draw tempers enthusiasm. All of which returns us to the selection, which is Savile's Delight.
Hammer of The Gods (IRE) 10-3fav (9-0) Started slowly, soon in touch, headway to lead just over 1f out, ran on well, won at Lingfield 6f hcp (E3) pol in Mar beating Dvinsky (9-6) by 1l, 12 ran.
Savile's Delight (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Led early, remained prominent, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken, 3rd of 13, 2l behind Majestical (9-0) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jan.
Canadian Danehill (IRE) 7-1 (9-2) Made virtually all, ridden and hung right from over 1f out, ran on well, won at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan beating Iced Diamond (9-2) by 2l, 11 ran.
Tag Team (IRE) 9-4fav (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 6th of 10, 7l behind Maktavish (9-7) at Southwell 5f app clm (6) fbs in Jan.
Cashel Mead 4-1 (10-10) Prominent, led over 1f out, soon ridden, ran on, won at W'hampton 5f amt hcp (6) pol in Jan beating Sahara Silk (11-2) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
He's A Rocket (IRE) 11-4fav (9-3) Mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, one pace, 6th of 11, 3l behind Blue Moon Hitman (9-8) at W'hampton 5f clm (5) pol in Jan.
Blythe Spirit 5-1 (8-13) In touch, effort over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 13, 8l behind Shadow Jumper (9-0) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Jan.
Nova Tor (IRE) 5-1 (8-9) Always prominent, led and edged right inside final furlong, soon headed, ran on, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Times Review (8-9) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.