chased leaders, led 2f out, driven out
prominent, ridden and every chance over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, ran on towards finish
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, no impression
mid-division, ridden halfway, soon weakened
led 2f, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, keeping on when not clear run inside final furlong, never dangerous
mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken
started slowly, behind, not clear run when switched right and headway over 1f out, stayed on, never nearer
held up, ridden and headway well over 1f out, hung left inside final furlong, ran on
led after 2f, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened and eased inside final furlong
slowly into stride, always behind
Beneking has been consistent enough to merit the vote, with Lady Hopeful, Scherzo A La Russe, Muktasb and Zorn seen as other potential candidates. It took Beneking 36 career outings before finally coming good at Lingfield in December, the gelding benefiting from a strong ride by Chris Catlin. Not surprisingly, trainer Dai Burchell has utilised the same pilot's services since, the son of Wizard King finishing runner-up both times at the Surrey track after trying to make most of the running. Dropped back in trip today and back in Banded company, the same tactics can this time pay off for the six-year-old who has never been in better form. Lady Hopeful in contrast has been plying her trade over the minimum trip, scoring twice from her last three starts. She has been staying on at the finish each time, so is another that should be suited by today's trip. Scherzo A La Russe takes a drop in class but has not really caught the eye yet, while Muktasb is also still a maiden but figured in a blanket finish behind Amanda's Lad recently. Zorn seems to like the slower Southwell surface more and so is passed over, and we much prefer the claims of Beneking in the finale.
Beneking 8-1 (8-5) Led, pressed 2f out, stayed on well until headed final strides, 2nd of 13, nk behind Captain Darling (8-9) at Lingfield 7f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Cayman King 5-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, some headway halfway, ridden and weakened 2f out, 10th of 13, 20l behind Captain Darling (8-9) at Southwell 7f banded stk (7) fbs in Dec.
Gaudalpin (IRE) 12-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened quickly approaching final furlong, 11th of 12, 7l behind Bollin Billy (9-2) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Muktasb (USA) 15-2 (9-1) Slowly into stride, held up, headway over 2f out, stayed on same pace, 5th of 14, 1 1/2l behind Amanda's Lad (9-5) at Southwell 5f banded stk (7) fbs.
Sundried Tomato 16-1 (8-9) Never better than mid-division, 9th of 11, 14l behind Roman Empire (9-0) at Southwell 7f hcp (6) fbs.
Zorn 22-1 (8-9) Led, headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 11, 4l behind Roman Empire (9-0) at Southwell 7f hcp (6) fbs.
Davids Mark 5-1 (8-9) Behind, headway over 1f out, ridden to challenge inside final furlong, short of room and checked towards finish, eased, 6th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Edin Burgher (8-11) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Lady Hopeful (IRE) 7-4fav (9-3) Held up in rear, ridden and ran on final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 9, 2l behind Rock Fever (8-4) at Lingfield 5f banded stk (7) pol in Dec.
