mid-division, ridden over 3f, headway over 2f, one pace
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2, no impression
always behind
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken
in touch, ridden and outpaced over 4f out
soon threatened leaders, weakened from 3f out
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
always towards rear
behind, weakened over 4f out, soon tailed off
always towards rear
behind, outpaced halfway, tailed off
chased leader, ridden to lead over 2f out, hard ridden under pressure final furlong, ran on
A moderate maiden should be well within the scope of Art Elegant ahead of Melee, Lord of Dreams and Orpendonna. Art Elegant had plenty of opportunities last year but failed to take them, and was beginning to look like one to avoid until switching from Ian Semple to Alan Swinbank. He ran a race full of promise here last week on his first start for his new yard when chasing home Chief Commander, and with a step up in trip to help, he can finally lose that frustrating maiden tag. Melee overcome a slow start to finish runner-up on only her second ever outing at Lingfield nine days ago and she will surely be placed to win sooner rather than later. Lord of Dreams was not allowed to lead last time, but if getting out quickly, can make his presence felt for a while at least, while Orpendonna will need this first outing since August but should have no problem staying the trip on breeding. Art Elegant has flattered to deceive on more than one occasion, but today is the day that she can come good.
Art Elegant 7-1 (9-12) Held up, headway 3f out, ridden, every chance 2f out, led just over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, one pace, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Chief Commander (8-8) at W'hampton 7f mdn stk (5) pol.
City of Manchester (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Led, headed after 3f, remained in touch, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 14, 17l behind Sand Repeal (9-0) at Southwell 1m 3f mdn stk (5) fbs.
Insignia (IRE) 6-1 (9-0) Chased winner to over 1f out, one pace, 4th of 12, 5l behind Itcanbedone Again (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f banded stk (7) pol.
Lord of Dreams (IRE) 3-1fav (9-12) Broke well, soon mid-division, headway on inside 2f out but never nearer, 6th of 11, 10l behind Keel (8-8) at W'hampton 7f mdn stk (5) pol.
Rock Haven (IRE) 15-2 (8-5) Tracked leaders pulling hard, driven to challenge over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 11, 12l behind Bowled Out (8-7) at Yarmouth 1m 3f hcp (5) gd in Sept.
Young Mick 16-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, no impression, soon weakened, 10th of 13, 6l behind Captain Darling (8-9) at Lingfield 7f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Melee 33-1 (8-2) Behind, headway when slightly hampered on rail over 2f out, stayed on well, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Glad Big (9-0) at Lingfield 1m mdn stk (5) pol.
Orpendonna (IRE) 20-1 (9-4) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 13th of 14, 10l behind Burnley Al (9-1) at Musselburgh 7f 3yo hcp (6) gf in Aug.
