tracked winner, ridden over 2f out, no real impression final furlong
dwelt soon recovered to lead, made rest, ridden 2 lengths clear 2f out, stayed on
held up in touch, pushed along halfway, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
keen tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
A competitive little heat for the grade. Faithful Ruler prevailed in a photograph when defeating UNLIMITED, who reopposes here, over C&D a fortnight ago and there should be little between them once again on these terms. Both have excellent course records but the latter may take revenge here in a race where there may be a lack of pace as he is equally effective over shorter trips and his turn of foot may prove decisive. Mighty Clarets remains perfectly consistent at this level and merits consideration whilst Khandaq cannot be discounted either after a recent solid effort behind Bawaardi at this venue.
Faithful Ruler (USA) 2-1 (9-4) Took keen hold, tracked leader, pushed along over 2f out, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, ran on, driven out, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f sell stks (6) pol beating Unlimited (8-13) by shd, 5 ran.
Khandaq (USA) 4-1 (8-13) Dwelt, held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden entering final furlong, kept on same pace, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Bawaardi (8-13) at Wolverhampton 7f clm stks (6) pol.
Mighty Clarets (IRE) 2-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, effort over 1f out, not pace to challenge, 2nd of 6, 3l behind Buxfizz (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2f sell stks (6) pol.
Unlimited 13-2 (8-13) Chased leaders, effort on inside over 1f out, chased winner 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, ran on, just held, 2nd of 5, shd behind Faithful Ruler (9-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f sell stks (6) pol.
Lisselan Pleasure (USA) 66-1 (9-2) Always in rear, 10th of 11, 18l behind Aerodynamic (9-5) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.