held up, headway over 3f out, driven to lead entering final furlong, ran on
dwelt, towards rear, headway over 5f out, effort over 2f out, no impression
towards rear, ridden along over 3f out, some late headway, never near to challenge
in touch, driven over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, no extra inside
never better than mid-division
in touch, led after 3f, ridden along over 3f out, headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong
towards rear, headway over 3f out, driven and one pace final furlong
led steady pace, headed after 3f, remained in touch, reminders over 4f out, soon beaten
held u, ridden along and headway over 3f out, driven and kept on final 2f
slowly into stride, always behind
mid-division, effort over 3f out, no impression
Papradon gets the nod in the stayers event, with Vivacita, Merrymaker and Little Richard completing the shortlist of alternatives. All bar one of Little Richard's eight previous wins have been at Wolverhampton, so as a course specialist he has to merit respect. Still, his record of 25 placed efforts tells its own story and he often falls just short of the mark when it really matters. Merrymaker is being kept busy and is no forlorn hope from his current mark. Still, he has to give 10lb to the selection and faces a stiff test. Vivacita also has a similar task on her hands and although in good form, has something to prove under a 6lb penalty for winning an ordinary maiden five days ago. This is the wiliest bunch of rivals she has faced so far and she now has improvement to find. Countering that, the form of her yard has been sparkling, so a market move would be folly to ignore completely. Nevertheless, Papradon, who was not really punished for winning a classified stakes last month, has the most convincing recent profile and just edges a narrow vote of confidence. The John best-trained gelding is unexposed at the trip and, as he seems to be in a minority as one that is on the upgrade, Papradon is fancied to take the beating here.
Merrymaker 14-1 (9-9) Slowly into stride, behind, ridden and headway over 3f out, one pace final 2f, 4th of 15, 10l behind Ha'penny Beacon (9-7) at Catterick 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Oct.
Vivacita 3-1 (8-12) Raced keenly, held up in touch, led inside final furlong, driven out, won at W'hampton 1m 4f mdn aut stk (6) pol beating Dart (8-12) by a nk, 9 ran.
Zaffeu 25-1 (8-11) Held up in rear, always behind, 10th of 11, 26l behind Nawamees (9-10) at W'hampton 1m 4f app clm (6) pol in Oct.
Papradon 11-1 (8-4) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, soon led, weakening when headed inside final furlong, 2nd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Bold Adventure (8-8) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Oct.
Group Force (IRE) 4-1 (8-6) Mid-division, driven over 3f out, never troubled leaders, 10th of 15, 22l behind Ha'penny Beacon (9-7) at Catterick 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Oct.
Composing (IRE) 13-2 (8-3) Mid-division, effort 3f out, soon hung left, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 11l behind Doubly Guest (8-12) at Bath 2m 1f 3yo hcp (5) gd in Oct.
Sea Frolic (IRE) 25-1 (9-5) Held up in rear, keen, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, 6th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Summer Bounty (9-5) at W'hampton 1m 4f Stks (41-45) (7) pol in Oct.
Sesaro Express (IRE) 12-1 (8-2) Settled 2nd, saddle slipped early, 3rd approaching straight, soon weakened, 12th of 15, 22l behind Still Going On (9-2) at Fairyhouse 1m 4f hcp 0-60 frm in Jul '05.
Party Palace 50-1 (8-3) Held up, headway on inner over 2f out, chased winner final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Princely Ted (9-6) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Shady Bay 100-1 (7-13) Behind, struggling halfway, 11th of 12, well behind Grethel (8-9) at Ayr 1m 1f 3yo clm (5) sft in Oct.
Iceni Princess 50-1 (8-4) Took keen hold, held up in rear, no chance final 2f, 9th of 12, 12l behind Key Partners (9-4) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Oct.
Little Richard (IRE) 7-2fav (9-1) In touch, ridden over 2f out, soon headway, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 12, 3l behind Mr Mischief (9-7) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Oct.
