tracked leader, led well over 1f out, driven clear final furlong, comfortably
dwelt, chased leaders, headway 2f out, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
led, strong pace, headed well over 1f out, gradually weakened, lost 2nd closing stages
pulled very hard tracking leaders, effort over 1f out, soon no impression
Nonrunner
American Smooth was strongly supported in the betting and sent off favourite over C&D on his debut. However, he never looked like winning and although better is expected here PENBRYN is preferred. Nick Littmoden's charge improved on his debut at Nottingham to take fourth in a decent maiden over a longer trip here last time. Today's drop back in distance will suit and he is Jean-Pierre Guillambert's only ride at the meeting. Irish raider John Veale could figure if reproducing his best turf form and there is a good chance Marshal Plat Club will improve for the longer trip.
John Veale (USA) 9-2 (9-1) Chased leaders, 5th on inner entering straight, driven along in 3rd over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 3rd of 10, 8l behind Lightening Stricks (9-5) at Dundalk 1m mdn stks pol.
Penbryn (USA) 40-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, headway on outside over 2f out, ridden and hung left inside final furlong, stayed on same pace, 4th of 10, 10l behind Colour Scheme (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
La Chemme 10-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden well over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, no impression, 6th of 10, 6l behind Boy The Bell (8-10) at Wolverhampton 6f mdn auc stks (6) pol in Nov.
Marshal Plat Club 40-1 (8-4) Close up, ridden and every chance 2f out, soon one pace, 6th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Clear Ice (8-11) at Southwell 5f 2yo mdn auc stks (6) fbs in Nov '09.
American Smooth 13-8fav (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 10l behind Mr Emirati (9-3) at Wolverhampton 7f mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
D'artagnan (SAF) 4-1 (8-4) Took keen hold in 3rd, went 2nd over 5f out, ridden to chase winner over 2f out, no impression inside final furlong, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Private Joke (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f mdn stks (5) pol.
