tracked leader, pushed along 2f out, faded inside final furlong
tracked leaders, headway over 1f out, led entering final furlong, held on well
led, ridden 1f out, headed entering final furlong, no extra last 50 yards and lost 2nd place
held up in rear, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up in touch and keen, headway over 1f out, soon ridden, chased winner inside final furlong, always held
STAND GUARD floundered in a Class 2 handicap at Lingfield last time but should take care of this lesser opposition. He comes out best at the weights and can add to his previous 15 victories on the all-weather. Wild Desert is next best on official ratings but makes little appeal on form as he debuts for a new yard and Priors Gold looks a bigger danger with an apprentice taking over the reins. Blizzard Blues showed a bit more last time having finished last well behind the selection at Lingfield before that.
Blizzard Blues (USA) 66-1 (9-10) Dwelt, held up in touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on and went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 6, 3l behind Sir Boss (10-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.
Stand Guard 11-4fav (9-7) Mid-division, driven to chase leaders 2f out, soon ridden and one pace, no impression, 5th of 7, 7l behind Royal Peculiar (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec.
Wild Desert (FR) 12-1 (9-13) Towards rear, headway over 4f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 8th of 9, 34l behind Body Language (9-3) at Ripon 2m hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Aug.
Pirate Chest (IRE) 66-1 (9-2) Led until over 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 7, 19l behind Noble Jack (8-12) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f clm stks (6) pol.
Priors Gold 20-1 (10-0) Keen in touch, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 7, 2l behind Thecornishcockney (9-11) at Wolverhampton 2m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.