took keen hold, chased leaders, weakened well over 1f out, hung left final furlong
chased leader until weakened well over 2f out
led, ridden over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, kept on, not pace of winner
soon chased leaders, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, always behind, ridden and struggling well over 2f out
took keen hold, held up in last pair, headway and edged left over 1f out, one pace final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, headway on outside well over 1f out, ran green over 1f out, stayed on same pace well inside final furlong
held up in touch on inside, smooth headway 2f out, ridden to lead entering final furlong, ran on well
MIDFIELDER was exactly that on debut but can improve past Hill Of Miller and win what looks an intriguing maiden. John Gosden's colt was an expensive purchase for connections and can be expected to leave his juvenile form well behind now a year older. That one racecourse start in October wasn't without promise and the winner is now rated 81, so with trip looking ideal a significantly improved performance looks on the cards. Hill Of Miller sets the standard having achieved a rating of 70 in 11 runs. He's stepping up to seven furlongs for the first time and that seems more in hope than expectation, as he's been reeled in when leading into the closing stages over six. His breeding offers more hope and if he does stay then another place looks virtually assured as the others with experience look modest. With that in mind, best of the rest may be Jawal, a son of Derby winner Motivator. Clive Brittain's colt is from a good family, one that should impart upon the colt a blend of speed and stamina perfect for seven furlongs, so he's well worth watching in the market. Likewise West Emirates represents a good yard, so whilst it's a concern this four-year-old makes his debut late in the day it may be significant that connections have kept the faith. Marco Botti does well here so Bohemian Melody is another newcomer to note although this one might need time, whilst the fact that A Nod And A Wink - a 43-rated performer - is next to mention says much about the quality of the others. This is an interesting looking maiden on paper at least, with our vote going to Midfielder.
Billy Simmonds 100-1 (9-9) Mid-division, weakened over 6f out, tailed off, last of 9, well behind Alainmaar (9-3) at Pontefract 1m 2f mdn stks (5) gf in Sep.
Boxer Shorts 150-1 (9-12) Held up in rear, ridden well over 3f out, soon no impression, 6th of 8, 44l behind High Constable (8-5) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f mdn stks (5) pol in Jan.
West Emirates (USA) Lion Heart colt out of Dr Kathy.
A Nod And A Wink (IRE) 40-1 (8-5) Always rear division, 11th of 13, 11l behind Prince Valentine (8-11) at Brighton 1m hcap (6) gd in Sep '07.
Dunfishin (IRE) 50-1 (9-3) Slowly away, towards rear, weakened 2f out,, last of 12, 37l behind Capricornus (9-3) at Wolverhampton 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Dec.
Hill Of Miller (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, mid-division, not clear run well over 1f out, not much room entering final furlong, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 5l behind Wanchai Whisper (8-7) at Kempton 5f 2yo hco 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Jawal Motivator colt out of Merewood.
Midfielder (USA) 12-1 (9-3) Held up, headway over 5f out, ridden 2f out, soon weakened, 8th of 13, 11l behind Dahaam (9-3) at Kempton 1m 2yo mdn stks (4) pol in Oct.
Bohemian Melody Desert Sun gelding out of Chamonis.
