tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, never on terms
tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, never able to challenge
chased leaders, under pressure halfway, soon beaten
slowly into stride, always behind
made all, ridden and edged right over 1f out, kept on well under pressure
tracked winner, hard driven 2f out, soon one pace
slowly into stride, behind, never a factor
held up in touch, headway over 1f out, soon no impression
An altogether more compelling handicap than that which preceded it and one that can go to EXCELLENT SHOW from Vhujon and Onceuponatime. Brian Smart's filly has been in grand form of late and shaped as though this extra furlong would pose no problems when second last time. With her mark unaltered for that effort, one which came here, she can hold off the likely late challenge of Vhujon. The Evans inmate has been consistent of late without scoring and the feeling is the same will be so here. The gelding has won off this mark in the past and six furlongs is ideal, but there's a slight concern about a lack of pace and so he may have to settle for minor honours with Onceuponatime. This one is up 6lb for a win in a slightly less competitive affair last time, but that success was due reward for a string of solid performances and another can be expected. Green Park has won over course and distance and may get closer to Onceuponatime than when they met at Southwell, however our belief is he's better over five furlongs and the admirable seven-year-old may be found wanting late on. Little Pete has been dropped a couple of pounds for a disappointing effort last time but may need more help from the handicapper, so of more interest at a price is Billy Red who has to bounce back from a poor effort but may be capable of doing just that with conditions ideal. Bel Cantor is something of an in-and-out performer these days and looks weighted to the hilt but that's not necessarily the case with out selection, Excellent Show, who can progress further still.
Vhujon (IRE) 7-1 (8-7) Held over 3f out, headway on inside 1f out, kept on, 4th of 9, 1l behind Tourist (8-8) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-95 (3) pol.
Excellent Show 7-2fav (9-0) Pressed leader, led 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 9, hd behind Rocket Rob (8-13) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Little Pete (IRE) 9-1 (9-4) Held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, never dangerous, 5th of 7, 4l behind Tiddliwinks (9-4) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Princess Valerina 33-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, never near leaders, 6th of 9, 5l behind Lujeanie (8-10) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Billy Red 16-1 (9-4) Led, headed over 2f out, weakened 1f out, 8th of 12, 7l behind Onceaponatime (8-11) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Bel Cantor 10-1 (9-1) In touch on outer, weakened 2f out, last of 12, 11l behind Onceaponatime (8-11) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Green Park (IRE) 14-1 (8-2) Held up, raced keenly, headway and switched left over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 2 3/4l behind Rocket Rob (8-13) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Onceaponatime (IRE) 9-4fav (8-11) Held up, pushed along and headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, driven out, won at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol beating Weet A Surprise (9-0) by hd, 12 ran.
