in touch, outpaced and struggling over 3f out, tailed off
chased leaders, chased winner 4f out, no impression 2f out, weakened and lost 2 places final furlong
dwelt, held up in touch, outpaced over 3f out, ridden and rallied on outside over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
dwelt, headway to track leader, 8f out until 4f out, rallied to modest 3rd well inside final furlong
chased leaders, pushed along and outpaced over 2f out, soon no impression on leaders
made all, in command 2f out, clear and one reminder when edged left inside final furlong, very easily
in touch until lost place over 3f out, eased when no chance final 2f, tailed off
Given the form of Mark Johnston's runners, ANCIENT TIMES, was ultimately disappointing on his debut at Southwell earlier this month but the slightly longer trip today should suit the son of Smart Strike and he looks worth another chance in a race that should not take much winning with the main dangers rated as Heading To First and Frameit. Stan Moore's gelding has run to a consistent level of form in both starts so far at Lingfield and should again be thereabouts, although this slower Polytrack surface may not suit him. A market move for Mercoliano would be of interest but he needs to improve on the form that he showed in the autumn to take a hand in the finish, while Blues Forever has been well held in all three starts so far and may do better when sent handicapping. Richard Fahey's Danderek ran better in a maiden here last time and has claims on the form shown that day but he is becoming expensive to follow and of more interest may be Heading To First. Clive Brittain's colt has his first start since July but the stable had a good winner with a similar profile on Friday and he has to be respected on his reappearance and Polytrack debut. Ancient Times gave every indication that he would improve for being stepped up in trip on his debut and Mark Johnston's colt looks worth siding with.
Sir Mark (IRE) 80-1 (10-7) Held up, weakened 4 out, 10th of 12, well behind Hold Fast (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gs in Nov.
Ancient Times (USA) 6-4fav (9-3) Chased leaders, lost place and last over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 6, 7l behind First Post (9-3) at Southwell 1m 3yo mdn stks (5) fbs.
Blues Forever (IRE) 14-1 (8-9) Held up, behind final 3f, 5th of 6, 6l behind Loveinthesand (8-12) at Southwell 6f mdn stks (5) fbs.
Frameit (IRE) 11-1 (9-3) Prominent, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 1 3/4l behind Bebopalula (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo mdn stks (5) pol.
Heading To First 6-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 10th of 15, 12l behind Elusive Pimpernel (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (2) gd in Jul.
Mercoliano 7-1 (9-0) In touch, raced keenly, ridden well over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 5th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Powerful Melody (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
Minimusic 100-1 (8-12) Always in rear, 10th of 12, 30l behind Hacienda (9-3) at Wolverhampton 7f 3yo mdn stks (5) pol.
Danderek 25-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders, ridden and chased leader over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Into Wain (8-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f mdn auc stks (5) pol.
Mongoose Alert (IRE) 2-1fav (10-12) Held up, headway after 6th, ridden and hanging left after 3 out, 4 lengths 3rd when fell 2 out, in a race won by Timetoring (10-5) at Chepstow 2m 4f sll hdl (4-8yo) (5) hvy in Nov, 10 ran.
