tracked leader early, tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, chased winner over 1f out, lost 2nd post
led, headed 7f out, chased leader until ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
steadied start, keen held up in last place, rapid headway to lead 2f out, soon came center, carried head high and soon clear, edged right and ridden out final furlong
keen, held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
dwelt, held up, ridden 2f out, edged left and stayed on to go 2nd post
led 7f out, clear 6f out, reduced lead 4f out, ridden and headed 2f out, soon weakened
Grand Vizier ran well at Kempton earlier this month after a break and looks the pick of Conor Dore's two runners ahead of Cobo Bay, though the latter appears to have the beating of Kildare Sun on their run together over C&D in November. Final Verse disappointed at Kempton at the start of the month and may not be the force of old, while Master Of Dance's recent efforts have left a lot to be desired. SYRIAN, making his first visit to Wolverhampton, is given the vote therefore, even though Ian Williams' charge again looked as though he was shirking the issue at Kempton last time.
Cobo Bay 5-1 (9-2) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 6, 7l behind Star Links (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f clm stks (5) pol.
Kildare Sun (IRE) 16-1 (9-2) Tracked leader, pushed along over 2f out, weakened quickly, eased final furlong, last of 10, 30l behind Mighty Clarets (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
Syrian 7-4fav (9-3) Soon held up in touch, effort and headway to chase winner on outer over 1f out, kept on towards finish, always held, 2nd of 5, 3/4l behind Majuro (9-5) at Kempton 1m clm stks (6) pol.
Final Verse 15-8fav (8-12) Slowly into stride, tracked leaders in 3rd, chased leader 2f out until entering final furlong, soon bumped slightly when no extra, 3rd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Erinjay (9-3) at Kempton 1m clm stks (6) std.
Grand Vizier (IRE) 3-1 (9-0) Slowly away, driven after start, in rear, headway under pressure 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 5th of 7, 2l behind Caprio (9-7) at Kempton 7f clm stks (6) pol.
Master Of Dance (IRE) 66-1 (9-5) Always in rear, 12th of 13, 15l behind Lingfield Bound (9-5) at Lingfield 1m 2f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.