A race that makes only modest appeal as a betting medium and it could be worth chancing Kingsholm against Alonso de Guzman and Crazy Bear. The selection has got a little bit of speed but was unable to get to the front last time out in what was a pretty hot handicap by the track's standards. A quality rider has been booked today and the draw looks fair. Alonso de Guzman has been in great nick of late and has won two on the bounce. The draw has done him few favours this afternoon in his hat-trick bid. Crazy Bear is less exposed than most. He has ordinarily been held up in his races but with the track riding as it is, his chance will be enhanced if a little more use is made of him. Front-running Kamanda Laugh is tried without headgear on this occasion. Western Roots was returning from absence last time out and can be expected to have stripped fitter for the outing. Clive Cox cast-off Thyolo is watched in the market for clues. A tough opener and Kingsholm is selected.
Kamanda Laugh 16-1 (8-8) Soon led, raced keenly, clear over 6f out until over 4f out, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened well inside final furlong, last of 8, 3 1/2l behind Master Pegasus (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Thyolo (IRE) 8-1 (8-9) Held up, headway 6f out, led 4f out, headed approaching 2f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 5, 5l behind Nawamees (9-10) at Lingfield 1m 4f clm (6) pol.
Kingsholm 7-1 (8-4) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 6th of 11, 5l behind Hoh Wotanite (8-8) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Crazy Bear (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Mid-division, headway to lead just over 1f out, ridden clear and asserted inside final furlong, won at Kempton 1m 4f mdn aut stk (6) pol beating Kadouchski (9-3) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Western Roots 28-1 (9-1) Behind, headway over 2f out, effort over 1f out, kept on final furlong, 4th of 10, 6l behind Confidentiality (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Alonso de Guzman (IRE) 7-4fav (8-11) Held up, headway over 2f out, driven over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on, won at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Nov beating Raquel White (8-9) by a nk, 10 ran.
Strike Force 3-1jt-fav (9-1) Hampered start, soon chasing leaders, effort over 2f out, soon one pace, 6th of 17, 5l behind Finsbury (8-9) at Leicester 7f 3yo & 4yo sll (6) frm in Aug.
Royal Sailor (IRE) 33-1 (9-13) Behind, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 12, 9l behind Ronsard (10-5) at W'hampton 1m 6f amt hcp (6) pol.
Riolo (IRE) 80-1 (10-6) Chased leaders, weakening when hung left over 1f out, 7th of 13, 9l behind Charlottebutterfly (10-11) at W'hampton 1m 1f amt hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Lady's Law 66-1 (10-0) In touch, led 8f out, headed over 3f out, weakening when short of room over 2f out, 10th of 12, 25l behind Blue Hedges (10-7) at Lingfield 1m 4f amt hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Mind That Fox 80-1 (10-0) Always behind, 12th of 13, 17l behind Charlottebutterfly (10-11) at W'hampton 1m 1f amt hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Candy Anchor (FR) 80-1 (8-11) Mid-division, ridden over 4f out, soon struggling, 7th of 11, 16l behind Figaro's Quest (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 4f banded stk (7) pol in May '06.
L'Oiseau de Feu (USA) 66-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, ridden and hung left well over 1f out, edged right, no impression on leaders when hung left well inside final furlong, 9th of 17, 3l behind Terminate (11-3) at Warwick 1m 3f amt hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Oct.
