mid-division, not clear run and lost place over 3f out, headway over 2f out, switched right 1f out and kept on
mid-division and keen, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on, just held
tracked leader, led after 1f, ridden and headed over 2f out, faded well inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, ran on
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out
in touch, ridden to chase leaders when hampered 2f out, soon lost place
led, headed after 1f, stayed prominent, led again over 2f out, held on
slowly into stride, never a factor
keen, soon in touch, ridden and edged left over 2f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
Mister Benji may be able to take this prize with Dancing Duo and Stargazy amongst the likely dangers. Guildenstern is the obvious starting point following his win at Kempton but he's never shone here and looks worth opposing at this venue. In contrast, the selection is a course and distance winner who has dropped back to a winning mark. Better was expected last time as he was supported into favouritism and he may be able to recoup losses here. Dancing Duo is another well handicapped horse who comes here following some decent efforts at Southwell. She has proven form at this venue and it would be no surprise to see her run a big race. Stargazy won a classified stakes on his penultimate start before failing to reproduce that form at Kempton. The return to racing at Dunstall Park may improve his fortunes but Mister Benji will do for us.
Guildenstern (IRE) 4-1fav (8-13) Tracked leaders, hampered on rail after 1f, stayed prominent, ridden to lead just inside final furlong, ran on, won at Kempton 7f hcp (6) pol beating Over To You Bert (8-9) by a nk, 14 ran.
Buzzin'boyzee (IRE) 10-1 (8-6) Missed break, soon outpaced, last of 6, 24l behind Soba Jones (8-5) at Southwell 6f Clm Stakes (6) fbs.
Cornerstone 9-1 (8-10) Tracked leader to over 2f out, soon struggling and weakened from 2f out, 6th of 9, 7l behind Fine Ruler (9-4) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Strut The Stage (IRE) 8-1 (8-8) Held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 11, 2l behind Safari Sundowner (9-1) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.
Totally Free 25-1 (8-12) Chased leaders to halfway, 9th of 10, 12l behind Magic Amour (8-12) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs.
Mister Benji 5-2fav (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final 2f, 6th of 8, 5l behind Anduril (8-10) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-50 (6) fbs.
Guadaloup 14-1 (8-8) Held up, headway and switched left well over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, not quicken towards finish, 3rd of 11, 2l behind Aggbag (8-4) at W'hampton 7f hcap (6) pol.
Dancing Duo 20-1 (7-11) In touch, ridden over 2f out, driven to challenge and every chance entering final furlong, kept on same pace, 4th of 5, 1l behind Kensington (8-7) at Southwell 7f hcap (5) fbs.
Stargazy 13-8fav (8-13) Slowly into stride, towards rear, headway 2f out, stayed on steadily final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 12, 10l behind Shava (8-7) at Kempton 7f Stks (41-45) (7) pol.
Meathop (IRE) 22-1 (8-6) Soon behind, never dangerous, last of 11, 21l behind Strike Force (8-12) at Catterick 6f sll (6) gs in Jul.
Gee Ceffyl Bach 20-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 11, 7l behind Solicitude (9-1) at W'hampton 7f fll hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Attacca 12-1 (8-9) Led 1f, tracked leader after effort 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out, 10th of 11, 5l behind Encores (8-13) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Oct.
