virtually refused to race, very slowly into stride, always in rear
towards rear, ridden 3f out, kept on
in touch, hampered and not clear run 3f out, switched right and headway over 2f out, stayed on
in touch, headway to join leaders 3f out, inched left over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
led, headed over 4f out, weakening and not much room 3f out
tracked leader and keen, led over 4f out, ran on readily (hand timed)
never a factor
never a factor
tracked leaders, chased winner approaching final furlong, hung left and no chance with winner inside final furlong
in touch, ridden and outpaced 4f out, stayed on towards finish
slowly into stride, soon switched left, keen and never a factor
mid-division and pulled hard, weakened 2f out
Desert Leader just held off the challenge of the progressive Melvino last time out, however a penalty for that win leaves him looking vulnerable so we will side with the Willie Haggas horse Snowy Day. The last-named hasn't been out of the frame in all four of his starts to date, and with his trainer in good form and with a fine record on the all-weather he looks a solid choice. Paul Hanagan is one to rely on if the money does come for the 4-year-old and the drop back in trip looks sure to suit. Bridgewater Boys is consistent and has won off this mark before so must rate a danger from his good draw, as must Dower House who is arguably better over this trip than the longer one he contested last month. However he is twelve now so may just be coming to the end of his tether. Desert Leader won well over twelve furlongs just six days ago, however he may just get outpaced under his penalty today so looks one to take on. In a fairly competitive race then, where many could reproduce old winning form, we will side with the up-and-coming Snowy Day to land the spoils.
Desert Leader (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Chased leader, headway to lead over 3f out, hard ridden final furlong, just held on, won at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol beating Melvino (8-10) by a nk, 10 ran.
Torrens (IRE) 40-1 (9-8) Mid-division, effort 4f out, never dangerous, 17th of 19, 47l behind Leslingtaylor (9-4) at York 1m 4f app hcp (4) sft in Oct.
Dower House 2-1jt-fav (9-7) Tracked leaders and keen, led over 1f out, headed 1 out, soon one pace, 3rd of 6, 2l behind Nawow (8-13) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Dragon Slayer (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 12, 14l behind High Command (9-5) at Yarmouth 1m 2f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Sept.
Casablanca Minx (IRE) 20-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace, 5th of 8, 2l behind Writ (8-8) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Snowy Day (FR) 9-2fav (8-11) Took keen hold in mid-division, ridden over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, never nearer, 3rd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Lunar Promise (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Bridgewater Boys 5-1 (8-10) Led until over 2f out, edged right final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 13, 1l behind Dudley Docker (8-5) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Mambo Sun 7-1 (9-2) Led, headed over 2f out, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Prince Picasso (9-13) at Carlisle 1m 1f 3yo hcp (5) frm in Jul.
