led, ridden and headed 4f out, soon lost place, weakened 2f out
chased leaders, outpaced 3f out, ridden and kept on under pressure final 2f, never on terms
slowly into stride, mid-division, outpaced 4f out, weakened 2f out
never better than mid-division
pressed leader, led 4f out, ridden 1f out, hard pressed well inside final furlong, just held on
in touch, chased winner over 3f out, ridden 2f out, kept on, lost 2nd well inside final furlong, no extra
close up on outside, ridden and outpaced 2f out, never on terms
slowly into stride, always behind
mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to press winner and every chance well inside final furlong, just failed
mid-division, outpaced over 3f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out
slowly into stride, behind, ridden and outpaced 2f out, never dangerous
mid-division, headway on outside 3f out, ridden over 2f out, soon no impression
always behind
A poor contest where it may be worth chancing ASK THE ORACLE on his handicap debut, while Thunderstruck and Blue Turk are among others to consider. The selection has been alloted a mark of 65 for his introduction to this sphere after three maidens. He has experience of this track, and he was doing all his best work at the finish when racing over a mile at Southwell last time, so this step up in trip can be the key to success. Thunderstruck is very much an exposed opponent, having won just once from 23 attempts so far. However, he did go very close from 1lb lower at Wolverhampton last time, and he has to be respected. Blue Turk can boast a course and distance success from a 4lbs lower mark just a few weeks ago, and now back over this trip he looks well capable of having a big say in the outcome, while True Decision does not look bred to get this far, although his style of running contradicts that and he may well get involved. The latter comments apply to bottom weight Azharia, who represents powerful connections, while the well drawn Inside Story is back down to a very handy mark and a market check is very much advised where he is concerned. Ask The Oracle is the suggestion here.
Rock Exhibition 20-1 (8-6) Slowly into stride, in touch, under pressure over 3f out, soon beaten, 6th of 7, 22l behind Bookiebasher Babe (8-5) at Southwell 1m fll hcp (4) fbs in May.
Ask The Oracle 11-4 (9-3) In rear, headway over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Bennelong (9-3) at Southwell 1m mdn auc stks (6) fbs in Oct.
Inside Story (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) Slowly into stride, soon pushed along in rear, never trouble leaders, 6th of 12, 5l behind Dinner Date (9-7) at Kempton 1m hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Oct.
Megalala (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Led clear trio, headed 3f out, ridden and weakened 2f out, 11th of 13, 13l behind Warne's Way (9-11) at Newbury 1m 4f ladies hcap (5) sft in Oct.
Thunderstruck 5-2fav (9-7) In rear, pushed along to pick up bridle, headway 7f out, ridden over 3f out, went 2nd over 2f out, every chance from over 1f out, ran on, 2nd of 10, shd behind The Grey One (9-8) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Oct.
Pippbrook Gold 8-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, hard ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 11, 7l behind Piquante (9-3) at Brighton 1m hcp 0-63 (6) gd in Oct.
Blue Turk 10-1 (9-8) Mid-division, struggling over 2f out, 10th of 13, 14l behind Silent Act (9-3) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Oct.
Iffy 25-1 (8-12) Held up, headway over 6f out, went 2nd 4f out, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon no extra, 5th of 10, 8l behind Bandama (9-10) at Kempton 1m 4f clm stks (6) pol in Oct.
Seventh Hill 14-1 (9-6) Took keen hold mid division, switched right and headway well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 13, 6l behind Silent Act (9-3) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Oct.
Etain (IRE) 10-1 (9-13) Took keen hold, prominent, went 2nd after 4f until ridden after 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, 13th of 15, 34l behind Kritzia (8-8) at Great Leighs 1m 6f hcp (6) pol in Sep '08.
Binnion Bay (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, towards rear, stayed on from over 1f out, not reached leaders, 7th of 12, 2 3/4l behind Fine Ruler (9-3) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Oct.
True Decision 8-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 2 3/4l behind Hereford Boy (9-6) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Oct.
Azharia 4-1 (8-10) Mid-division, effort to chase leaders 2f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong, 9th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Whisky Jack (9-4) at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Sep.
Hannicean 18-1 (9-1) Dwelt, slowly into stride, in rear, never near leaders, 10th of 15, 24l behind Grandad Bill (8-4) at York 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Sep.
