led, ridden, headed 2f out, soon weakened
raced wide, held up, pushed along over 2f out, soon beaten
prominent, went 2nd inside final 5f, driven to lead 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, headed near finish, soon lost 2nd
took keen hold, held up towards rear, shaken up over 1f out, stong run inside final furlong to lead final stride, won with plenty in hand
slowly into stride, always in rear
slowly into stride, soon pushed along towards rear, headway on inside 2f out, driven to chase leaders over 1f out, soon one pace, no impression final furlong
soon chasing leaders, went 2nd well over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to lead near finish, caught final stride
chased leaders on outside, pushed along 3f out, weakened 2f out
never travelling, always in rear
chased leader, to inside final 5f, prominent, ridden 2f out, soon weakened
The level of support behind Forgotten Voice could be the deciding factor in which way to jump but, for the time being, we'll opt for ROYAL DIGNITARY ahead of Prince Of Thebes. Jeremy Noseda's runner is potentially the most interesting combatant in this line-up having won his maiden in nice style at the backend of 2007. The form of that race is solid enough and he has the potential to rate higher than his initial mark but he has to prove that he retains his ability on this return to action. Royal Dignitary has been well placed by his handler and his victories in sellers and claimers appear to have restored his confidence as he kept on well to win his first handicap in almost two years. The veteran has only gone up by a couple of pounds for that success and should be competitive. Another Bottle is on a decent mark these days but has plenty to prove on debut for a new yard and a more solid option is Prince Of Thebes. He signed off for last season with a string of consistent performances and would have claims if resuming in the same heart. The vote, though, goes the way of Royal Dignitary.
Alfresco 10-1 (8-13) Pulled hard, tracking leaders, ridden to challenge when hampered inside final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 11, 1 1/4l behind Secret Night (8-10) at Lingfield 7f hcp (0-90) (3) pol.
Royal Dignitary (USA) 10-1 (9-4) Led, headed approaching final furlong, stayed on to lead post, won at Southwell 7f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Mar beating Caprio (8-12) by ns, 7 ran.
Gala Casino Star (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Behind, ridden halfway, never dangerous, 18th of 23, 18l behind Charlie Tipple (8-9) at Redcar 1m hcap (2) gd in Oct.
Prince Of Thebes (IRE) 14-1 (8-5) Tracked leader, led inside final furlong, edging left and headed post, 2nd of 10, shd behind Internationaldebut (9-2) at Lingfield 1m hcp (3) pol in Dec.
Forgotten Voice (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) Behind, headway and switched right over 1f out, ran on to lead near finish, won at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Oct '07 beating Formation (9-0) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Another Bottle (IRE) 14-1 (8-4) Towards rear, effort over 2f out, some late headway, never reached challenging position, 5th of 8, 7l behind Laa Rayb (9-4) at Ripon 1m hcp (2) gf in May.
Can Can Star 12-1 (8-13) Towards rear, short of room over 3f out, stayed on final furlong, 5th of 19, 6l behind Spring Jim (8-9) at Doncaster 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Mar.
Tourist 16-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 16th of 19, 32l behind Spring Jim (8-9) at Doncaster 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Mar.
Electric Warrior (IRE) 25-1 (8-6) Always behind, 10th of 11, 20l behind Secret Night (8-10) at Lingfield 7f hcp (0-90) (3) pol.
Flying Squad (UAE) 20-1 (9-2) Held up in 6th, short lived effort on inside 2f out, 6th of 8, 5l behind Marajaa (8-13) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Phluke 16-1 (9-8) Chased leaders to over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 13, 19l behind Just Bond (9-8) at Haydock 1m hcap (4) gf in Sep.
