tracked leaders, switched left and led 2f out, soon ridden and strongly challenged, edged right under pressure, stayed on well
with leader, raced keenly, ridden to challenge over 2f out, soon under pressure and weakened
slowly away, soon led, headed 2f out, soon hard driven, weakened inside final furlong
held up in rear, headway 2f out, soon chasing leaders, stayed on same pace
held up in touch, switched right to challenge well over 1f out, soon ridden and every chance, weakened quickly inside final furlong
mid-division, headway over 3f out, every chance 2f out, kept on well final furlong
towards rear, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, weakened inside final furlong
held up in touch, headway and ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
headway 2f out, hard ridden to challenge approaching final furlong, slightly carried right closing stages, always held
steadied in rear, ridden halfway, soon beaten
CAVALRY GUARD is the pick in this contest with Highly Regal and Balerno served up as the most obvious opposition on paper. Granted, Cavalry Guard does have to reverse recent form with Balerno to win this race but its worth noting that Tim McCarthy's gelding had been much better than this grade in the past and that he is back in blinkers rather than the visor that accompanied his latest start. Highly Regal dotted up in a recent handicap over the trip. It was no surprise to see a hefty rise for that success but if headgear works second time around, he is a major player. Balerno, as mentioned, is consistent but he is not a frequent winner. Mocha Java continues to go close but is still a maiden on artificial surfaces. Desert Lark was formerly trained by Alan Swinbank and he will be making a handicap debut for Kevin Ryan this afternoon. Hi Spec won a classified stakes at Wolverhampton in a fair time and as she hails from unfashionable connections, she might be a bigger price than her form entitles. A watch of the market is advised before investments are made and in the absence of that information, Cavalry Guard looks to have most going for him.
Highly Regal (IRE) 12-1 (8-8) Tracked leaders, chased leader over 3f out, led 2f out, ridden and quickened clear over 1f out, pushed out, very easily, won at Kempton 1m hcp 0-50 (6) pol beating Just Jimmy (8-12) by 9l, 12 ran.
Desert Lark 14-1 (9-3) In touch, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened final furlong, 8th of 13, 14l behind Blindspin (9-3) at Catterick 7f 3yo mdn (5) gs in Apr.
Cavalry Guard (USA) 10-3fav (8-9) Tracked leaders, outpaced over 3f out, soon lost place, rallied and headway over 1f out, stayed on strongly final furlong, 4th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Too Grand (9-0) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Inquisitress 12-1 (8-11) Held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, stayed on well from over 1f out, nearest finish, 4th of 12, 7l behind Colonel Sherman (8-13) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (6) pol.
Mocha Java 9-2 (8-8) Led early, tracked leaders and keen, every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Joe Jo Star (8-10) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Ten To The Dozen 16-1 (10-10) Mounted on track, soon led, ridden and headed 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 13, 15l behind Salerosa (11-2) at Southwell 1m amt hcp (6) fbs in Nov.
Hi Spec (IRE) 22-1 (8-6) Held up, headway on outer over 2f out, no impression from over 1f out, 8th of 12, 5l behind Joe Jo Star (8-10) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Balerno 16-1 (8-10) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, kept on under pressure final furlong, no chace with winner, 2nd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Too Grand (9-0) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Dancing Duo 33-1 (7-11) Soon led, ridden and headed well over 2f out, soon weakened, 6th of 8, 13l behind United Nations (8-13) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Shortwall Lady (IRE) 66-1 (8-4) Mid-division, reminders halfway, never troubled leaders, 5th of 11, 17l behind Transmission (9-5) at Southwell 1m clm (6) fbs.
