disputed lead, ridden 3f out, slightly hampered when switched right approaching final furlong, kept on
tracked leaders, weakened 2f out
held up, soon switched left to inside rail, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
disputed lead, led 3f out, soon ridden and hung left from over 1f out
Only four go to post but all four have claims. Top weight Martyr is the selection but Wiseman's Diamond is sure to be popular with Jamie Spencer taking over in the saddle and Mark Johnston's pair must be feared given his record at the track. Martyr showed improved form to lead from pillar to post on his handicap debut in a manner which suggested that there was more to come. Whilst the handicapper has raised him by 7lbs, that is offset by the claim of the talented Hadden Frost and the pair could prove hard to pass. It would be no surprise to see Piermarini step up a gear now handicapping but Leamington looks to be the stronger of the Johnston pair with this longer trip sure to suit. Wiseman's Diamond is more exposed but only seems to do enough and could well be ahead of the game but Martyr is the selection in an intriguing contest.
Martyr 6-1 (9-7) Made all, ridden over 1f out, ran on well, won at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec beating Caltire (8-7) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Piermarini 9-4fav (9-3) Held up behind leaders, pushed along over 3f out, effort when weakening over 1f out, 8th of 12, 9l behind Laterly (9-3) at Nottingham 1m 2yo mdn (5) gf in Nov.
Wiseman's Diamond (USA) 11-8fav (9-6) Steadied start, in rear, hampered over 3f out, headway over 2f out, stayed on steadily final furlong to lead final strides, won at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo hcp (6) pol in Dec beating Flashy Max (8-0) by a hd, 10 ran.
Leamington (USA) 9-2 (9-4) Led ridden clear 2f out, hung left over 1f out, hung right inside final furlong, no extra and headed towards finish, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Contessina (8-8) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (5) pol.
