behind, headway over 2f out, ridden to chase winner final furlong
led, headed 3f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
held up, effort over 2f out, no impression
towards rear, never dangerous
in touch, led 3f out, headed well over 1f out, edged right and left when weakening final furlong
held up, smooth progress over 2f out, led well over 1f out, ran on final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace until weakened final furlong
Bentong looks to be ahead of the handicapper at present and is taken to score here, with mudlark The Snatcher and Mr Sandicliffe likely to chase him home. Paul Cole's colt is clearly going places after winning two of his three starts thus far and recording a moral success at Ripon, when winning the race on his side of the track. He proved that day that he handles cut, was particularly impressive at Salisbury on fast ground last time, and is due for a 7lb rise this weekend, so even with a 5lb penalty the advice is to cash in. The Snatcher looks to be his biggest danger, as one who loves to get his toe in. He won his group when succumbing to the in-form Levera at Newmarket last time and and with that form being franked he is entitled to go close. Mr Sandicliffe is going the right way after taking a while to get his nose in front. The confidence from his recent Nottingham success will help here, but he is unproven on the ground and others are preferred. Skhilling Spirit will be better for his first run of the campaign and has won on soft before, but looks harshly treated by the assessor and we make Bentong a confident choice.
Skhilling Spirit 7-1 (9-4) Towards rear, effort and not clear run over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace and no impression final furlong, 5th of 9, 7l behind Obe Brave (9-3) at Ripon 6f 3yo hcp (3) gd in Apr.
The Snatcher (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) Led standside group, well on terms, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on, no chance with centre group, 3rd of 9, 1l behind Levera (9-2) at Newmarket 7f 3yo hcp (2) sft.
Bentong (IRE) 5-2fav (8-1) Always prominent, led 2f out, ran on well, comfortably, won at Salisbury 6f 3yo hcp (2) frm beating Pearly Wey (8-3) by 3l, 11 ran.
Ludovico 8-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, one pace final 2f, 10th of 16, 9l behind Archerfield Links (8-13) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (3) pol in Apr.
Mr Sandicliffe 2-1 (9-3) With leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, just held on, won at Nottingham 6f 3yo mdn (5) gd beating Storm On The Run (9-3) by a shd, 10 ran.
Choysia 50-1 (8-10) Behind, driven 2f out, never on terms, 6th of 9, 9l behind Obe Brave (9-3) at Ripon 6f 3yo hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Collateral Damage (IRE) 9-1 (8-4) Led early, remained in touch, went 2nd well over 1f out, soon ridden, ran on, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Song of Passion (8-5) at Chester 1m 3yo hcp (2) gs.
Angel Voices (IRE) 16-1 (7-12) Held up, brief effort over 1f out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 8l behind Dingaan (8-5) at Kempton 7f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) pol.
