mid-division, headway 4f out, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
pulled hard, led after 1f, headed 7f out, ridden 4f out, soon weakened
always prominent, went 2nd over 4f out until ridden 3f out, stayed on same pace final 2f
slowly into stride, held up, pushed along over 4f out, never near leaders
prominent, pushed along 5f out, weakened over 3f out
took keen hold in touch, pushed along and lost place 4f out, never dangerous after
held up towards rear, headway over 4f out, 2nd over 3f out, led just over 1f out, ran on well
raced keenly, led 1f, pressed leader, led again 7f out, ridden and headed just over 1f out, no extra
held up, short lived effort under pressure over 2f out
Mexican Pete, Steig and Jazrawy look the trio to be concentrating upon and we side with Mexican Pete. Although better known over hurdles these days, Mexican Pete was perfectly adequate on the level and while it is a worry that he has never won on the artifical surfaces, his class can prevail. Steig simply hated going right handed at Kempton and was a poor choice of horse for an inexperienced apprentice. James Doyle may be able to work the oracle this afternoon. Jazrawy hasn't shown too much at Wolverhampton in the past but the Southwell specialist should not be dismissed if the money is about. Fenners landed something of a gamble before christmas for clan Easterby and similar comments apply. Casual Affair drops back in trip whilst Three Thieves has ability but is best watched until showing a little more zest for the task. A competitive little heat to close matters and Mexican Pete is the pick.
Shogun Prince (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) Held up in rear, effort when hung left well over 1f out, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 7l behind Wicked Daze (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Jazrawy 6-1 (9-2) Tracked winner, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 4th of 10, 11l behind Mahmjra (8-3) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-80 (4) fbs in Mar.
Mexican Pete 14-1 (10-0) Behind, headway, chased leaders over 5f out, ridden 3f out, effort 2f out, not quicken, one pace from over 1f out, 3rd of 11, 4l behind Broughtons Folly (9-6) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcap (5) pol in Jul.
Top Spec (IRE) 16-1 (9-8) Towards rear and never dangerous, 7th of 8, 14l behind Robert The Brave (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Taxman (IRE) 6-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders until weakened over 2f out, 7th of 8, 6l behind Nando's Dream (8-4) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov '06.
Fenners (USA) 11-2 (8-6) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, hung left and chased winner over 1f out, no impression, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Fresh Mint (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Casual Affair 10-1 (8-10) Held up, headway 3f out, effort when not clear run over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 19, 10l behind Whenever (8-10) at Doncaster 1m 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Oct.
Steig (IRE) 15-8 (9-6) Took keen hold, soon led, headed and hampered on rail after 2f, kept on from over 1f out, short of room well inside final furlong, 3rd of 5, 2l behind Just Intersky (9-7) at Kempton 1m 3f app hcp (6) pol.
Three Thieves (UAE) 40-1 (9-5) Close up until weakened quickly 3f out, tailed off, 8th of 9, 22l behind Mutamaasek (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
