tracked leaders, led over 1f out, ridden out
dwelt, soon prominent, effort over 2f out, kept on same pace
held up in rear, headway over 1f out, stayed on under pressure, not reach winner
mid-division, never dangerous
held up in touch, ridden to challenge over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
led, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
always behind
held up in rear, headway over 1f out, never nearer
slowly into stride, held up, hung right over 1f out, never on terms
prominent, every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, never dangerous
RIVER KIROV is in form and looks certain to finish there or thereabouts whilst Perfect Act and Gwilym are amongst others to consider. Michael Wigham's charge has never won from a mark as high as this but his latest run at Lingfield from just one pound lower suggests that it's just a matter of time until he does. He has a good record, goes well for Steve Drowne and is well drawn so everything appears to be in place for a big run. Earlsmedic should ensure that this is run at a decent clip and the combination of headgear and a 7lb claimer may be to his benefit whilst Brierty has a hundred per cent record on artificial surfaces. Ursula has ability but has something to prove after delighting the layers on her last three starts and of more interest are Perfect Act, Gwilym and Blown It. The last named has a good record on artificial tracks and isn't badly treated with similar remarks applying to Perfect Act. Gwilym boasts a better record at Wolverhampton than he does at this track but is running well enough to be considered although the claims of River Kirov are readily preferred.
Earlsmedic 6-1 (8-2) Soon chased leaders on inner, went 2nd over 2f out, ridden to narrow lead over 1f out, headed 1f out, rallied gamely under pressure to regain lead final 100 yards, won at Kempton 6f hcp 0-95 (3) pol beating Fantasy Explorer (8-13) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Brierty (IRE) 50-1 (9-3) Chased leaders stand side, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace, no impression, 9th of 15, 8l behind Medicean Man (9-0) at Ripon 6f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Aug.
Capone (IRE) 50-1 (8-12) Went right start, held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on, not reach leaders, 5th of 11, 3l behind Global City (8-12) at Lingfield 6f stks (3yo+) (3) pol.
River Kirov (IRE) 15-2 (8-5) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, pushed along and no response over 2f out, soon beaten, 8th of 9, 13l behind Earlsmedic (8-2) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-95 (3) pol.
Ursula (IRE) 3-1fav (9-5) Held up, raced keenly, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 7, 5l behind Dubai Meydan (9-6) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Oct.
Harlech Castle 20-1 (9-1) Always in rear, last of 10, 8l behind King's Colour (9-2) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Ajigolo 14-1 (8-11) Held up, staying on when not much room approaching 2f out, not a danger after, 9th of 12, 11l behind Doric Lady (8-9) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
White Shift (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Always in rear, 10th of 11, 12l behind Ektimaal (9-2) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Blown It (USA) 12-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, pushed along halfway, weakened final furlong, 5th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Orpenindeed (9-2) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Perfect Act 13-2 (9-4) Held up towards rear, strong headway over 1f out, soon switched left to challenge, driven to lead inside final furlong, ran on, won at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Oct beating Sister Clement (9-5) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Gwilym (GER) 11-4fav (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden 1f out, one pace, 4th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Onceaponatime (8-9) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct.
Brandywell Boy (IRE) 13-2 (8-10) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, no impression from over 1f out, 6th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Nickel Silver (9-4) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Oct.
