held up, not clear run over 2f out, never a factor
slowly into stride, soon in touch, went 2nd over 4f out, led 2f out, driven out
behind, ridden and headway well over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden well over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, went 2nd inside final furlong, ran on, not troubled winner
chased leaders to over 2f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
always towards rear
led to over 5f out, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
with leader, led over 5f out, ridden and headed 2f out, one pace final furlong
Nonrunner
Red Spell, Appalachian Trail and Vortex are three against the field in an ultra-competitive handicap and the tentative vote is given to Red Spell. The selection has won his last two races in good style and although he is rising in the weights he won with plenty in hand when beating Psychiatrist last time and under similar conditions here he is taken to win again. Vortex rates the main danger on his latest second behind New Seeker but he will do well to give weight and a beating to the selection. Appalachian Trail is another that could go well as he was a fair second behind Cimyla last time and off the same mark here he will not be far away. Chateau Nicol won well last time when beating Looks Could Kill. However, this looks more competitive and he may struggle under his penalty. Of the remainder Suggestive looks sure to have the race run to suit and could go well at a price but for the winner we return to Red Spell.
Vortex 8-1 (9-3) Held up, headway on stand rail 2f out, chased winner approaching final furlong, kept on well but no impression, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind New Seeker (9-0) at Newbury 7f lst stk (1) gf in Sept.
Suggestive 11-2 (9-3) Tracked leaders, headway over 1f out, ridden to challenge inside final furlong, held towards finish, 2nd of 10, nk behind Council Member (9-1) at Redcar 7f lst stk (1) gf in Oct.
Red Spell (IRE) 7-4fav (9-4) Steadied in touch, sustained run on outer final furlong, taken up to lead final 50 yards, cleverly, won at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Nov beating Psychiatrist (9-0) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Appalachian Trail (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Behind, headway 2f out, ridden to go 2nd over 1f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 3l behind Cimyla (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Nov.
King Marju (IRE) 6-1 (8-11) In touch far side, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 13, 15l behind Presto Shinko (8-11) at Doncaster 6f lst stk (1) sft in Nov.
Chateau Nicol 9-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, ridden and edged right to lead over 1f out, kept on, won at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov beating Looks Could Kill (9-2) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Cornus 10-1 (9-4) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on well towards finish, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Ok Pal (8-13) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Lygeton Lad 12-1 (8-13) Held up in rear, headway 2f out, effort and hung left over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 4l behind Red Spell (8-7) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Nov.