pulled hard, hampered after 1f and lost place, ridden from over 1f out, stayed on, not reach leaders
soon led, ridden 2f out, edged right final furlong, held on
keen, edged right after 1f, ridden 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, ran on, just denied
slowly into stride, raced wide, always towards rear
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, soon weakened
towards rear, ridden 3f out, hung left under pressure from 1f out
slowly into stride, switched left soon after start, settled mid-division, headway to chase leaders on inside over 1f out, soon one pace
led, soon headed, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong
A trappy affair to get matters underway and from a shortlist that includes Regal Royale, Sir Don and Thoughtsofstardom; we are with the last named. Thoughtsofstardom has struggled for form of late but his fifth to Almaty Express at the beginning of the month reads particularly well and if he can secure a run from a good draw, he wouldn't have to find too much to beat this largely disappointing field. Regal Royale is one of a block entry from the Peter Grayson stable. His recent victory at Kempton was his first for well in excess of two years although interest this evening is tempered by a high draw. Sir Don has similar barriers to overcome. He has won around here previously and does appear to run more consistently at this artifical track rather than others. Mr Loire hasn't been too far away in recent weeks but is exposed as ordinary. The Carpet Man was not disgraced last weekend while Highland Song ran a fair race from well out of the handicap in December and it is interesting that Chris Catlin has been sought for the ride. Not the easiest start in the world for the punters and Thoughtsofstardom secures the most tentative of votes.
Thoughtsofstardom 11-2 (9-0) Chased leader, hard ridden over 2f out, no impression over 1f out, soon weakened, 6th of 7, 2l behind Earl Compton (8-11) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Sir Don (IRE) 25-1 (8-13) In touch, outpaced 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 10, 7l behind Muktasb (9-0) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Egyptian Lord 10-1 (8-12) Prominent for 3f stand side, 8th of 13, 8l behind Cleveland (9-2) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Stoneacre Donny (IRE) 2-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, soon puched along, slightly hampered over 3f out, effort on inside approaching 2f out, faded final furlong, 6th of 9, 5l behind Double Valentine (8-9) at Kempton 6f Stks (41-45) (7) pol.
Highland Song (IRE) 66-1 (8-4) Chased leader after 1f, ridden and effort 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 12, 8l behind Hello Man (8-12) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
The Carpet Man 9-1 (8-9) Towards rear, headway on inside over 1f out, kept on, 6th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Miss Curly (8-8) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Mr Loire 9-1 (9-0) Started slowly, mid-division after 1f, headway and effort over 1f out, not quicken inside final furlong, soon one pace, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Avoca Dancer (9-0) at Kempton 6f Stks (41-45) (7) pol.
Percy Douglas 66-1 (8-9) Always in rear, 8th of 9, 9l behind Miss Curly (8-8) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Regal Royale 3-1fav (8-9) Made virtually all, ridden 2f out, hard pressed final furlong, stayed on well near finish, won at Kempton 6f hcp (6) pol beating Tilsworth Charlie (8-12) by 1l, 9 ran.
Yurchenko 33-1 (8-11) Behind, in touch, ridden 2f out, outpaced and weakened over 1f out, last of 11, 6l behind Ask Jenny (9-0) at Kempton 5f Stks (41-45) (7) pol.
