mid-division, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, soon beaten
towards rear, steady headway from 2f out, kept on, never near leaders
led, 8 lengths clear 3f out, still 5 lengths clear entering final furlong, driven until eased near finish, caught post
behind, headway 3f out, went 3rd briefly over 1f out, one pace final furlong
always towards rear, never on terms
behind, mid-division, headway over 1f out, quickened well inside final furlong to lead post
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no headway, kept on same pace
in touch, ridden over 2f out, not quicken, stayed on same pace from over 1f out
always behind
tracked leader, 8 lengths adrift 3f out, still 2nd and 5 lengths behind entering final furlong, ran on well, and gaining final strides
steadied start, held up in rear, struggling final 2f, never dangerous
took keen hold in touch until ridden and weakened over 2f out
A race little better than a seller and THE CITY KID is our selection with Lord Theo and Risque Heights also respected. Admittedly, The City Kid has yet to prove whether she stays this trip but she gave a very positive account at Wolverhampton last time out and at the likely odds, we are prepared to take our chances. Lord Theo does not have a spectacular draw. He made all at Great Leighs and is likely to be raced prominently here. Risque Heights has had a few names called in the past but appeared to be on his best behaviour at Kempton. Siena Star won a Brighton seller but is much better on artificial surfaces than turf. Can Can Star can prove a tricky ride at the best of times but he will do better for professional handling. Cherri Fosfate has shown little since leaving Declan Carroll. Ex-Godolphin inmate, Pearl Dealer, is one to watch closely in the market. Of the remainder, Sir Haydn is a course and distance winner and has to be respected as such. The City Kid gets the tentative nod in a trappy finale.
Cherri Fosfate 14-1 (9-10) Towards rear for most, never a factor, 13th of 20, 11l behind Espartano (9-2) at Leopardstown 1m hcp 0-70 gs in Oct.
Our Kes (IRE) 50-1 (9-4) Held up, pushed along over 3f out, always towards rear, 10th of 13, 14l behind Mick's Dancer (8-13) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Oct.
Lord Theo 9-2 (9-5) Made up, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well, won at Great Leighs 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Oct beating Classic Blue (8-12) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Risque Heights 7-1 (8-12) Held up, headway over 2f out, soon hanging right over 1f out, chased leader approaching final furlong, every chance, soon outpaced by winner, 2nd of 14, 2l behind Ryedale Ovation (8-9) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct.
Cape of Luck (IRE) 8-1 (9-6) Never reached beyond mid-divison, 8th of 13, 9l behind Kerayasi (9-3) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Oct.
Can Can Star 14-1 (8-9) Steadied start, settled in rear, plenty to do 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on to chase leaders entering final furlong and gaining near finish, 3rd of 6, 1l behind Epsom Salts (8-5) at Lingfield 1m 5f app hcp (5) pol.
Pearl Dealer (IRE) 9-2 (9-0) Slowly into stride, pulled hard and held up in rear, hard ridden over 1f out, never troubled leaders, 5th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Ours (9-7) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
The City Kid (IRE) 9-2 (9-5) With leaders and keen, ridden over 1f out, kept on well towards finish, 4th of 10, 1l behind Gramm (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Sir Billy Nick 4-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, soon one pace, 4th of 12, 4l behind Faithful Ruler (9-8) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Oct.
Siena Star (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Tracked leader, led 6f out, kept narrow advantage when carried left and leant on throughout final furlong, held on gamely, won at Brighton 1m 2f sll hcp (6) gs in Oct beating Black Falcon (8-8) by a hd, 10 ran.
Cover Drive (USA) 11-1 (9-6) In rear, stayed on inside final furlong, never going pace to reached leaders, 5th of 11, 6l behind Cossack Prince (9-5) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Oct.
Sir Haydn 10-1 (8-11) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, kept on one pace final 2f, 3rd of 13, 7l behind She's So Pretty (9-6) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
