always in rear, never a factor
led 1f, pressed leader after, ridden and every chance 2f out, no extra over 1f out
towards rear, headway on inside over 1f out, kept on, not trouble leaders
prominent, ridden and weakened over 2f out
prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, eased over 1f out
held up, ridden over 3f out, no progress and outpaced final 2f
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression over 1f out, kept on same pace
led after 1f, hard pressed 2f out, stayed on well under pressure final furlong, driven out
towards rear, some headway from 2f out, kept on, not reach leaders
Just Bond won last time but the race was run to suit that day and we prefer the claims of Dream Lodge this afternoon, Stargazer Jim is the other for the shortlist. The selection goes well here and he confirmed his well-being when winning at Pontefract last time out. He has a decent draw today and he can lead them home. Just Bond did finish in front of our selection here last time but he got the run of the race that day and although he is again well drawn, we think the placings will be reversed this afternoon. Stargazer Jim is another with plenty to recommend him as he won well last time and this course and distance winner does have the benefit of a good draw. Guacamole will need some luck to score from his high draw, and we will stick with Dream Lodge who can make it back-to-back wins.
Just Bond (IRE) 8-1 (9-1) Settled in rear, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, soon edged right, driven out, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Full Victory (9-2) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Dream Lodge (IRE) 14-1 (8-8) Led steady pace, quickened over 2f out and soon clear, edged right and pushed out final furlong, won at Pontefract 1m 3yo hcp (3) gf beating Ella Woodcock (8-6) by 2l, 7 ran.
Happy as Larry (USA) 33-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, 8th of 9, 18l behind Young Bertie (9-4) at Brighton 1m app hcp (5) gs.
Stargazer Jim (FR) 8-1 (9-12) Held up in rear, headway 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Nottingham 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Aug beating Lap of Honour (9-5) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Guacamole 9-2 (8-4) Prominent, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong, 2nd of 4, 2l behind Ragheed (8-10) at Warwick 1m 3yo hcp (2) gf in Sept.
Nanton (USA) 6-1 (9-4) Towards rear, headway over 2f out, driven over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 6th of 19, 1 1/2l behind Fragrancy (9-4) at Redcar 1m hcap (2) gd.
Apex 16-1 (8-13) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, slightly outpaced, stayed on final furlong, not reached leaders, 5th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Just Bond (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Russki (IRE) 15-2 (7-13) Prominent, ridden along over 2f out, edged left and one pace final furlong, 3rd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Dream Lodge (8-8) at Pontefract 1m 3yo hcp (3) gf.
Hoh Wotanite 5-1 (9-4) Held up, ridden and headway final furlong, not trouble leaders, 4th of 12, 4l behind Gaelic Princess (9-7) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) std.