led early, chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out,
mid-division, ridden 4f out, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
always behind
mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden and one pace final 2f
held up and keen, ridden and headway over 2f out, switched right over 1f out, ran on, not reached leaders
mid-division, ridden and headway over 3f out, one pace final furlong
behind, headway over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace
behind, ridden and headway over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
led after 2f, ridden and edged right over 1f out, ran on
always towards rear
soon led, headed after 2f, chased winner to over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
Toni Alcala has proven stamina on his side and can get the better of Zeydnaa and Tharua, who are in good form but have something to prove for one reason or another. Tharua stays well but has yet to really convince on this surface. She did have Make My Hay behind when she won at Southwell earlier in the month but, as she failed to reproduce the goods last time, her lack of consistency makes her opposable. Zeydnaa hails from a shrewd yard and should be able to confirm the Catterick form with Brennie on the same terms. However, he ran as if there was something amiss over the jumps last month and is not one to be going overboard about. Tycheros shapes as if he can pay his way on the all weather and the worth keeping tabs on from here. He does need to prove his stamina though and it may be prudent to guide the expectations of the betting market before taking the plunge with him. Therefore, we turn to Toni Alcala, who looks a more reliable option on these terms. The handicapper has taken a chance with him off his current rating and, as there were plenty of positives to be taken from his latest start over hurdles, Toni Alcala can provide the key to a tricky race to fathom.
Zeydnaa (IRE) 9-2fav (9-3) Close up, switched right and headway 2f out, led well over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on well, won at Catterick 2m hcp 0-50 (6) gf in Oct beating Notte Italiana (8-6) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Toni Alcala 3-1 (9-0) Held up, headway over 6f out, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed 1f out, soon beaten, 2nd of 13, 5l behind Reggae Rhythm (8-8) at W'hampton 2m 1f stk (7) pol in Sept.
Lysander's Quest (IRE) 10-1 (8-7) Held up towards rear, never nearer, 8th of 15, 8l behind Amwell Brave (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Make My Hay 8-1 (9-4) Held up, headway over 4f out, led 3f out, headed over 1f out, kept on, 3rd of 11, 7l behind Ice And Fire (9-3) at Southwell 1m 6f stk (7) fbs.
Brennie (IRE) 7-2 (9-1) Prominent, chased leader 8f out, led 5f out, ridden over 2f out, headed no extra inside final furlong, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Mickmacmagoole (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 4f stk (7) pol.
Tharua (IRE) 7-2 (8-9) Slowly away, behind, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 4th of 11, 11l behind Ice And Fire (9-3) at Southwell 1m 6f stk (7) fbs.
Tycheros 9-2 (8-4) Soon led, quickened 3f out, soon clear, comfortably, won at W'hampton 1m 4f stk (7) pol in Oct beating Shekan Star (8-9) by 3l, 12 ran.
My Boo 50-1 (9-2) Always towards rear, 8th of 12, 13l behind Rotuma (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f stk (7) pol.
