difficult loading, tracked leader until pushed along 3f out, chased leading pair until weakened over 1f out, eased
tracked leading pair, 2nd on inside 3f out, challenged going well 2f out, soon led, clear final furlong, stayed on strongly
slowly into stride, well behind, closer in 4th 5f out, went modest 3rd over 1f out
led, ridden and joined 2f out, soon headed, stayed on same pace, no chance with winner
pulled hard, tracked leading trio until 5f out, soon behind, eased final 2f, tailed off
A poor seller but Mark Johnston drops DALILEO, rated 82, down in class after a couple of woeful efforts. He won over 1m6f here before that and will likely prove a warm order in this company as he's clear at the weights if running anywhere near his best. High Command looks the main threat on these terms returning to the Flat for the first time since going close at Chelmsford in August while Contingency is best of the remaining trio though has little chance at the weights with the likely favourite.
High Command (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Held up in touch, weakened before 3 out, last of 12, dist behind Court Royale (12-0) at Taunton 2m hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Dalileo (IRE) 10-1 (9-6) Led after 3f out, headed 4f out, ridden and weakened 2f out, tailed off, 8th of 9, 31 1/4l behind Aircraft Carrier (9-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
Sea Tea Dea 33-1 (8-13) Mid-division, driven over 2f out, soon ridden, never reached leaders, weakened final furlong, 7th of 13, 10 1/2l behind Hard Toffee (9-10) at Chelmsford City 1m 2f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Contingency Fee 33-1 (9-0) Raced wide, towards rear, headway to press leaders 5f out, ridden and weakened 2f out, 9th of 10, 12 1/2l behind Rakematiz (9-8) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Peccary 66-1 (8-7) Always towards rear, 8th of 11, 37 1/2l behind Teaser (8-12) at Leicester 1m 2f stks (6) gd in Oct.