broke well, steadied to mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
tracked leaders, went 2nd over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened inside final furlong
raced wide, in touch, ridden and weakened over 2f out, soon behind
in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on, never nearer
slowly into stride, always in rear
held up towards rear, smooth headway over 2f out, effort when not clear run and switched left inside final furlong, kept on same pace
tracked leader until over 2f out and ridden, edged right and led inside final furlong, ran on
The dead eight rock up for this seven furlong handicap and while the recent form of Rubenstar catches the eye MONSIEUR FILLIOUX looks progressive and can get off the mark in handicap here while Ektimaal goes well at this venue and can run into the places. Despite not being the easiest to train the selection keeps returning with purpose and catching the eye. He put in his best effort since landing his maiden when finding just the one too good at Kempton last time and with some strength to that form he can improve again and go one better. Ruberstar has consistently troubled the judge and ran well under this revised mark last time following victory over distance at Lingfield. He should run his race again but he could be exposed if the pick continues to improve. Ektimaal has won two of his three course and distance starts and although a little high in the weights to win Ed Dunlops charge should be competitive. Canivore also has to be considered after his run last time but with the handicapper getting to grips with that one we turn to Monsieur Fillioux.
Little Pete (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, under pressure halfway, soon beaten, 7th of 8, 8l behind Billy Red (9-0) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Ektimaal 7-1 (9-3) In rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 9, 5l behind Capone (9-4) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Carnivore 7-1 (8-10) Held up in touch, headway over 2f out, chased leader over 1f out, disputed lead and every chance throughout final furlong, no extra near line, 3rd of 8, hd behind Indian Skipper (8-10) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Orpen Wide (IRE) 33-1 (9-1) Behind, detached halfway, soon beaten, last of 11, 47l behind Ours (8-12) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-80 (4) fbs.
Hellbender (IRE) 8-1 (8-11) Tracked winner, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, hung right inside final furlong, 6th of 9, 8l behind Arteus (9-1) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Monsieur Fillioux (USA) 25-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway from 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 11, 3/4l behind Moojeh (9-1) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Rubenstar (IRE) 9-1 (9-0) Held up, headway going well over 1f out, chased leading pair inside final furlong, not pace to challenge, 3rd of 10, 4l behind Divine Force (8-12) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Steel Stockholder 8-1 (8-13) Chased leader, ridden on outside over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 12, 8l behind Forward Feline (8-10) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.