slowly into stride, in rear, ridden over 2f out, came wide entering straight, never dangerous
prominent to halfway
held up on outside, headway over 2f out, no impression when edged left over 1f out
mid-division, ridden 3f out, headway on inside over 2f out, switched left well over 1f out, every chance entering final furlong, no extra towards finish
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, challenged and edged left over 1f out, not quicken well inside final furlong
led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, led again inside final furlong, ran on
always prominent, led well over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, one pace
slowly into stride, held up, headway 2f out, never troubled leaders
with leader until ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
slowly into stride and went left start, always behind
took keen hold, prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
A frustrating group have been drawn together for the opener, with Prince Of Gold edging the nomination as the one to be on, while Kareeb, Seldamosa and Fulvio head the list of dangers. Fulvio has been thereabouts in races of this nature lately and, although hard to win with, he acts well on the surface and holds solid place claims again today. Similar comments apply about Kareeb, whose supporters always know their nerves will be tested to the limit by his style of racing. Luck in running is a major part of Kareeb's game plan and, at the age of 10 it is unlikely he is going to change now. Seldamosa has ability when she puts her mind to it and cannot be ruled out at this level. However, she often finds little for pressure and her solitary win from 20 previous starts tells its own story. Therefore, we turn to Prince Of Gold, who is holding his form well just now and, as he is already a dual course and distance winner, the Reg Hollinshead-trained gelding looks the most reliable option from this modest bunch.
Kareeb (FR) 25-1 (7-13) Slowly into stride, held up, never dangerous, 6th of 9, 8l behind Dapple Dawn (9-0) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Midmaar (IRE) 8-1 (8-9) Held up, always in rear, 9th of 12, 5l behind Celtic Thunder (8-10) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.
Fulvio (USA) 14-1 (8-10) Tracked winner to over 2f out, outpaced over 1f out and weakened final furlong, 7th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Another Gladiator (8-12) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Prince of Gold 9-1 (10-0) Held up, headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Louisiade (9-10) at W'hampton 7f sll (6) pol.
Balerno 50-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 12, 5l behind Celtic Thunder (8-10) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.
Doctor's Cave 9-2 (8-12) Soon outpaced and behind, 7th of 10, 7l behind Thoughtsofstardom (8-10) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Jan.
Seldemosa 7-2fav (8-11) Chased leader, every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Kahlua Bear (8-12) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Jan.
Postmaster 16-1 (8-4) In touch, ridden over 2f out, no impression over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Another Gladiator (8-12) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Spy Gun (USA) 28-1 (8-12) Led until 3f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 4th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Mister Incredible (8-9) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs.
Alucica 100-1 (9-7) Steady start, held up, always in rear, 10th of 11, 10l behind Fustaan (8-5) at Lingfield 6f mdn stk (5) pol in Jan.
Saintly Place 10-1 (8-5) Towards rear, headway and inside over 1f out, kept on, 4th of 10, 5l behind Thoughtsofstardom (8-10) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Jan.