slowly away, in rear, wide into straight 3f out, headway approaching final furlong, ran on, nearest finish
led, 2f, chased leader, ridden 3f out, every chance 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
in touch, pushed along over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, stayed on
slowly into stride, in rear, never nearer
in rear, ridden and headway on inside over 1f out, soon every chance, stayed on
chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out
held up, ridden 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong
held up, effort over 1f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, weakened towards finish
tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
pulled hard, led after 2f, ridden and headed 2f out, soon weakened
It could pay to give another chance to SPATE RIVER who is taken to get the better of Rock Anthem and Spirit of A Nation. Chris Wall has his string in good form at present and Spate River was far from disgraced at Sandown last month when he finished fifth behind Prime Exhibit. That was his first run since October so he should come on for the run and with the talented Jack Mitchell doing the steering he looks to have a big chance. Rock Anthem is the obvious danger as he is chasing the hat-trick. He won comfortably at Salisbury last month and he still looks to be well treated so he merits plenty of respect. Spirit of A Nation looked a useful prospect last year when he twice got his head in front, but he has been off the track since June 2008 and the likelihood is that he will need this run today. Bomber Command shaped with a bit more encouragement last time and his best form has been on the all-weather. He could go well at a price, but the vote goes to Spate River.
Spirit of A Nation (IRE) 6-1 (9-7) Held up, headway 2f out, quickened to lead approaching final furlong, edged right and kept on inside final furlong, won at Doncaster 7f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Jun '08 beating Astrodonna (9-1) by 1 3/4l, 11 ran.
Buddy Holly 7-1 (9-3) Soon led, headed well over 3f out, ridden and weakened well over 2f out, 6th of 9, 25l behind Cry Alot Boy (9-4) at Leicester 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) sft in Jul.
Bomber Command (USA) 33-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on to go 2nd inside final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Musleh (8-12) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Aug.
Spate River 16-1 (9-4) In touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, 5th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Prime Exhibit (9-4) at Sandown 7f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Aug.
Stand Guard 8-1 (9-7) Held up towards rear, headway on outside over 2f out, ridden to dispute well held 2nd 2f out, edged right over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 9, 6l behind Balnagore (8-6) at Kempton 1m 3f app hcp (0-85) (4yo+) (4) pol in Aug.
McConnell (USA) 4-1 (8-13) Towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 10, 4l behind Exit Smiling (7-10) at Southwell 1m hcap (4) fbs in Feb.
Laudatory 7-2 (8-10) Chased leaders, out paced over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure final furlong, 4th of 9, 2l behind Musleh (8-12) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Aug.
Quick Release (IRE) 15-2 (9-7) Chased leading trio, driven over 1f out, one pace when not much room entering final furlong, running on when not clear run and switched left final 75 yards, kept on, 4th of 9, 5l behind Fancy Footsteps (8-12) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Aug.
Carlitos Spirit (IRE) 13-2 (9-6) Led, headed 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 9, 8l behind Fancy Footsteps (8-12) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Aug.
Rock Anthem (IRE) 11-4fav (10-1) Dwelt, behind, headway 3f out, driven to lead over 1f out, drew clear final furlong, comfortably, won at Salisbury 1m ladies hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Aug beating Cape Cobra (10-0) by 6l, 10 ran.
Elusive Fame (USA) 4-1 (9-7) Raced keenly, tracked leader, challenged and every chance over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong, 6th of 7, 11l behind Audemar (9-4) at Kempton 7f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Aug.
