headway on outer to press leader 4f out, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
tracked leader 2f, tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong
led, pushed along over 1f out, ridden and headed towards finish
slowly away in touch in rear, pushed along over 1f out, kept on, not trouble leaders
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
in touch in rear, pushed along and headway approaching final furlong, ridden and ran on to lead towards finish, readily
This is tougher than the conditions race DOCUMENTING won at Lingfield last month and he drops back a furlong. But he landed the odds with plenty to spare on that occasion and looks worth sticking with in his current form. Royal Birth finished in front of Corinthia Knight in a handicap over 5f here last week though the latter may well reverse running on today’s more favourable terms while Summerghand returns to the all-weather for the first time since last year looking to end a long losing run. Both Merhoob and Baby Steps face a difficult task at the weights.
Baby Steps 7-2fav (9-3) Keen tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 6 1/4l behind Typhoon Ten (9-5) at Lingfield 7f hcp (3) pol in Dec.
Corinthia Knight (IRE) 8-1 (9-7) Close up, pushed along 2f out, ridden over 1f out, faded inside final furlong, 6th of 8, 2 1/2l behind Lomu (8-3) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (2) pol in Dec.
Documenting 10-11fav (9-0) Always going well, shaken up to lead inside final furlong, comfortably, won at Lingfield 7f stks (3) pol in Nov beating Turn 'n Twirl (8-8) by 2 3/4l, 7 ran.
Merhoob (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) Held up in rear, headway entering final furlong, kept on, never dangerous, 5th of 8, 2l behind Reeves (8-6) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (2) pol in Dec.
Royal Birth 6-1 (9-2) In touch, ridden and headway inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Lomu (8-3) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (2) pol in Dec.
Summerghand (IRE) 12-1 (9-7) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, no impression, 10th of 22, 9 1/4l behind Gulliver (9-5) at York 6f hcp (2) sft in Oct.