slowly into stride, tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, ridden clear final furlong, readily
mid-division, outpaced over 4f out, headway over 1f out, ran on, never nearer
prominent, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, switched right to challenge over 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, kept on
dwelt, pulled hard rear, headway on inside over 1f out, never on terms
led, hard ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, faded
The Blue Dog has hinted at a return to form of late and beat Mr Plod a length with Party Palace well behind when runner-up over course and distance last time. Bold Adventure has been in fine form over 2m recently though he's 6lb higher than when scoring here in January and a rejuvenated SMIRFY'S SILVER is preferred. He gave the impression this longer trip would suit when returning a shock winner over 1m4f here last time and remains on a decent mark compared to his best form of last year. Star Alliance and Esteem are out of sorts and harder to fancy.
The Blue Dog (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) Held up in mid-division on inside, not clear run and switched right over 1f out, stayed on to 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 2 3/4l behind Sommersturm (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Feb.
Star Alliance (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) Held up in rear, passed beaten horses inside final furlong, never a factor, 8th of 11, 16l behind Cunning Act (9-4) at Goodwood 1m 6f 3yo mdn hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun '11.
Bold Adventure 10-1 (9-0) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, hung right well over 1f out, pushed along and stayed on strongly inside final furlong, went 2nd final strides, just failed, 2nd of 11, shd behind Llamadas (9-2) at Kempton 2m hacp 0-70 (5) pol in Jan.
Esteem 40-1 (8-13) Dwelt raced wide in touch in rear, headway to go prominent 7f out, ridden to chase leading pair over 2f out, plugged on, lost 3rd inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 22l behind Kazbow (9-1) at Southwell 2m clm stks (6) fbs in Feb.
Mr Plod 9-1 (9-4) Took keen hold, tracked leaders, switched right and went 2nd over 1f out, soon ridden hung left and every chance, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Sommersturm (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Feb.
Smirfy's Silver 33-1 (8-7) Pulled hard in touch, lost place 7f out, headway to lead 1f out, ridden and ran on, won at Wolverhampton 1m 4f app hcp (0-55) (6) pol beating Crimson Monarch (8-12) by 2 1/4l, 8 ran.
Party Palace 11-2 (9-0) Chased leaders, hampered and switched right approaching final furlong, kept on same pace, 7th of 10, 8l behind Sommersturm (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Feb.