tracked leaders, led over 2f out, driven and headed near line
led, ridden over 4f out, headed over 2f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden and no impression final 2f
held up, ridden over 3f out, never troubled leaders
prominent, ridden over 3f out, challenged over 1f out, no extra towards finish
dwelt and always behind
in touch, ridden over 3f out, driven and weakened over 1f out
always in rear
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, one pace final 2f
slowly into stride, always behind
held up, ridden over 4f out, never troubled leaders
in touch, ridden over 2f out, driven to lead near line
BIJOU DAN is picked with Aleron and Woody Valentine worthy of some attention. George Moore's team seem in fair nick at present and while the eight-year-old is not the most aesthetically pleasing individual on the racecourse, he battles in spite of his lack of ability and has won at this course in the past. John Quinn has had a mixed couple of months and Aleron is respected. He has given his connections fine service under National Hunt rules and attempts to steal a flat race off a low mark. Woody Valentine has shaped as if capable of winning a race of this nature, especially if he is allowed a soft time of it upfront. Hi Dancer and Sonara have enjoyed mixed times under National Hunt rules though should be fit enough to do themselves justice. Chiff Chaff was far from disgraced at Wolverhampton last week and could be capable of building upon the performance. Mister Pete has run well at this course in the past and has place claims as a consequence. Harcas, who had form for Mick Halford in the dim and distant past, would be of obvious interest if the market speaks in his favour. Bijou Dan looks best.
Sonara (IRE) 3-1jt-fav (9-5) Tracked leader, led after 6f, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened and eased, 9th of 10, well behind Doubly Guest (8-12) at Bath 2m 1f 3yo hcp (5) gd in Oct '07.
Harcas (IRE) 7-1 (11-5) Mid-division, effort over 6f out, soon beaten, 6th of 9, 13l behind Kyber (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m amt hcp 0-80 (6) gf in Jun.
Mister Pete (IRE) 4-1 (8-10) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Eijaaz (9-1) at Catterick 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) hvy in Nov.
Aleron (IRE) 9-1 (9-10) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, stayed on to chase leaders over 1f out, no impression on 1st 2, 3rd of 15, 6l behind Chiff Chaff (8-9) at Ripon 2m hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Aug.
Bijou Dan 3-1 (9-8) Tracked leader, ridden to challenge over 2f out, kept on and every chance until no extra final furlong, 5th of 7, 4l behind Bouggler (8-4) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-70 (5) sft in Aug.
Coronado's Gold (USA) 11-1 (8-13) Raced keenly in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 7th of 14, 14l behind Sir Sandicliffe (9-2) at Catterick 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gs in Oct.
Chiff Chaff 8-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, keen, soon held up, headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 7, 1l behind Blockley (8-11) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Mar.
Top Tiger 10-1 (8-10) Held up, ridden along over 5f out, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 7, 27l behind Blockley (8-11) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Mar.
San Deng 10-1 (8-13) Mid-division, ridden over 4f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 12, 9l behind Sendali (8-6) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Jun.
Woody Valentine (USA) 28-1 (10-3) Slowly away, always behind, 11th of 16, well behind Prince Rhyddarch (10-3) at Newcastle 1m 4f amt hcp (6) hvy in Oct.
Zabougg 12-1 (8-10) Slowly into stride, behind, headway, in touch 5f out, ridden, effort over 2f out, soon outpaced, weakened final furlong, 9th of 16, 5l behind Time To Regret (9-6) at Thirsk 1m sll hcp (6) sft in Aug.
Daraiym (IRE) 6-1 (8-5) Held up behind leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 5th of 10, 9l behind Dansilver (9-7) at W'hampton 2m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jan.
Hi Dancer 4-1 (9-3) Held up in touch, steady headway over 5f out, ridden and weakening when not much room over 2f out, 8th of 11, 15l behind Safin (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
