close up, ridden to challenge over 1f out, every chance, not quicken final furlong
prominent, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, held on
took keen hold towards rear, headway 5f out into mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no progress and weakened over 1f out
led 2f, tracked leaders, ridden and weakened from 2f out
towards rear, headway inside final 2f, stayed on well, nearest finish
in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
started slowly, always in rear and never a factor
prominent, chased leaders and effort over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
mid-division, headway over 1f out, ran on to chase winner well inside final furlong, gaining near finish
led after 2f, headed over 3f out, weakened from 2f out
held up behind mid-division, headway well over 1f out, ran on to chase winner inside final furlong, stayed on near finish
always towards rear, never on terms
tracked leaders, led over 3f out, soon pressed, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
Obrigado would have solid claims on his best form but returning from a lengthy absence he is easy to oppose and instead side with Circus Polka ahead of Morning Farewell and the consistent Evident Pride. Wise Little Girl could be of interest now dropped back to what appears to be her optimum trip, however it is Circus Polka who we side with albeit with a slight leap of faith. Paul Cole' charge is unexposed after just four starts and looks sure to improve physically for his recent outing at the track. The form doesn't leap out but it is the potential which ensures that we side with him today. Oakley Heffert has struggled to get the head in front so far this season and whilst another fair effort may be in the offing, the likelihood is that he will once again find at least one too good. Evident Pride steps back up to this trip having only gone down by a short-head when trying it last and this consistent sort should be on the premises once again. Stargazer Jim represents a stable in good nick and has claims on the pick of his form, however the feeling is that a mile suits best. Mafeking is consistent but tends to find at least one too good, whilst Morning Farewell stays well and if on the premises with three furlongs to run he should be there or thereabouts. Baylini is a course winner but has a bit to find with the leading lights, so whilst Wavertree Warrior has claims if back on song, it is Circus Polka who gets the nod.
Wavertree Warrior (IRE) 25-1 (8-11) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Troubadour (8-13) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Oct.
Evident Pride (USA) 5-2fav (9-8) Soon chased leader, ridden to lead inside final 2f, headed and outpaced final 100 yards, 3rd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Blackat Blackitten (8-12) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Sept.
Obrigado (USA) 10-1 (9-5) Tracked leader to 2f out, weakened quickly, 10th of 12, 12l behind Zato (9-4) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-90 (3) pol in Oct '06.
Basra (IRE) 100-1 (8-3) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, one pace from over 1f out, 6th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Troubadour (8-13) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Oct.
Stargazer Jim (FR) 5-1 (9-2) Prominent, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 8th of 9, 8l behind Russki (8-6) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Oct.
Seal Point (USA) 33-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Manaal (9-1) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Marsam (IRE) 20-1 (9-12) Held up towards rear, effort on outside over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 8th of 15, 19l behind Market Forces (9-12) at York 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Oct.
Wise Little Girl 16-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, going well 3f out, ridden and weakened quickly inside final 2f, 9th of 13, 8l behind Polish Power (9-9) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Mafeking (UAE) 11-2 (9-0) Tracked leaders, led over 3f out, headed just inside final furlong, stayed on under pressure, 3rd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Risque Heights (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Oct.
Morning Farewell 9-2 (8-13) Chased leader until 2f out, weakened and edged left over 1f out, 5th of 7, 6l behind Swiss Act (9-3) at Chester 1m 4f 3yo hcp (3) gf in May.
Baylini 16-1 (9-0) Raced centre, held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, stayed on same pace, 5th of 13, 4l behind Giant Slalom (8-13) at Doncaster 7f 3yo app hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Circus Polka (USA) 25-1 (8-11) In rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, never dangerous, 9th of 12, 6l behind Kaateb (9-5) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Oakley Heffert (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) In touch, ridden over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong, 7th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Hibiki (8-5) at Bath 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Oct.
