led 2f, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
raced wide, held up, ridden over 3f out, soon struggling
prominent, raced wide, pressed leader from halfway, ridden 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
slowly into stride, in rear, switched right approaching 2f out, wide, headway soon after, ridden to lead well inside final furlong
held up, headway 2f out, soon hung left, ridden, no impression
prominent, led after 2f, ridden 2f out, headed well inside final furlong
chased leaders until halfway
tracked leaders, ridden, weakened over 2f out
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never nearer
raced wide, held up in touch, ridden, weakened over 2f out
chased leaders, ridden to go 3rd 2f out, one pace approaching final furlong
A number of these have had many chances so ZEGNA has to be the call with Across The Sands and Sweet Applause others to catch the eye. Bryan Smart's charge has taken on some smart opposition in the past but today represents a drop in class. He appears to have improved over the course of the year and if on that upward curve, he should go well again. Across The Sands ran a career best at Lingfield against rivals rated in the high 70's. From an unfashionable stable, he should not be ignored. Sweet Applause ran a decent race from out of the handicap last month and the switch up to six seems wise. Sanjay's Choice is in a similar predicament especially as both horses are drawn wide. Spice Run was clearly thought of at Clive Cox's yard and having had a recent run from absence, it would be no surprise to see improvement this afternoon. Espresso Steps has a likeable American pedigree and is one to watch closely in the market. Zegna secures the nomination this afternoon.
Across The Sands 66-1 (9-3) Dwelt, towards rear, ridden halfway, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 9, 3l behind Master Lightfoot (9-3) at Lingfield 5f mdn stks (5) pol.
Irish Bay (IRE) 100-1 (9-1) In touch on outside, ridden 3f out, soon struggling, 12th of 14, 19l behind Lease Of Life (9-3) at Windsor 1m mdn stks (5) gd in Oct '08.
Sanjay's Choice (IRE) 9-1 (9-5) Tracked leader, ridden to lead approaching 2f out, ridden and edged left final furlong, no extra and headed towards finish, 3rd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Weet A Surprise (8-10) at Wolverhampton 6f app hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Spice Run 40-1 (9-7) Chased leader, faded inside final furlong, 6th of 14, 8l behind Moojeh (8-12) at Kempton 7f mdn stks (5) pol in Sep.
Westwood Dawn 6-1 (8-8) Mid-division, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, kept on final furlong, no impression, 4th of 12, 4l behind Tudor Prince (9-6) at Kempton 7f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Oct.
Zegna (IRE) 2-5fav (9-3) Soon chasing leaders, ridden well over 1f out, not quicken well inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 1 3/4l behind Real Diamond (8-12) at Catterick 6f 2yo mdn aut (6) gs in Oct '08.
Clincher 16-1 (8-12) Towards rear, never dangerous, 9th of 13, 11l behind Fourtowns Flyer (9-3) at Wolverhampton 5f mdn stks (5) pol in Oct.
Espresso Steps (USA) Medaglia D'oro filly out of Walk On Gold.
Gracie's Games 10-1 (8-10) Keen hold early, raced wide towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, soon no chance, 7th of 12, 13l behind Spinning Ridge (8-13) at Lingfield 1m hcp (6) pol.
Isabel's Pet Lucky Story filly out of Perle D'azur.
Kamanja (UAE) 40-1 (7-12) In touch towards inside when hampered after 1f, behind after, virtually pulled up final 2f, not recover, 13th of 14, well behind Seneschal (9-7) at Brighton 7f sell stks (6) fm in May.
Shirley High 16-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, effort and every chance inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 11, 1 1/4l behind Tongalooma (8-12) at Wolverhampton 5f mdn stks (5) pol in Oct.
Sweet Applause (IRE) 9-1 (8-1) Held up, swtich right over 1f out, headway final furlong, kept on, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Feelin Foxy (9-3) at Wolverhampton 5f fll hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Oct.
