raced in mid-division, effort to chase winner 1f out, no impression and lost 2nd final 100 yards
slowly into stride, headway into mid-division halfway, effort on inside over 1f out, weakened final furlong
took keen hold, raced on wide outside, tracked leaders, driven on outer over 2f out, soon beaten
behind, hampered on inside on bend inside final 2f, headway over 1f out, ran on to take 2nd final 100 yards, no chance with winner
took keen hold, tracked leaders, not much room when lost place 2f out, keeping on when hampered over 1f out, no danger
took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 2f out
pressed leader, led halfway, ridden clear from 2f out, unchallenged
led to halfway, chased winner to 2f out, weakened quickly
always behind
held up towards rear, headway on outer over 1f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong
raced wide, held up towards rear, effort and wide outside over 1f out, stayed on same pace
chased leaders, ridden to chase easy winner 2f out, to 1f, weakened quickly
Our shortlisted three are Korikancha, Scroll and Simpsons Ross, with the last-named getting the vote. Much as it might not pay to take it too literally, Simpsons Ross's second behind the subsequent winner Prince Charlemagne over course and distance last time on his handicap debut reads well in the context of this race, and forms the basis of the argument for his selection. Korikancha is closely weighted with Veronica's Girl based on course and distance maiden form but the former possibly holds stronger claims over today's trip. Scroll has been knocking at the door from around today's mark which, for us, gives him a shout. Of the others, African Concerto would hold a chance based on the bare value of his form, but he is untried at today's distance, while Deserted Prince travelled well for a long way over 10 furlongs last time, and today's shorter trip might show him in a better light. Overall, though, we will side with Simpsons Ross.
Veronica's Girl 16-1 (8-5) Prominent, chased winner over 1f out, no impression, lost 2nd last stride, 3rd of 10, 3/4l behind Dingaan (9-4) at Lingfield 6f 3yo hcp (4) std.
Korikancha (IRE) 5-4fav (8-10) Prominent, led over 3f out, headed entering final furlong, stayed on, 3rd of 12, 1l behind Daaweitza (9-0) at Southwell 1m 3yo mdn (5) fbs.
Scroll 13-2 (8-6) Chased leaders, not clear run entering final furlong, soon one pace, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Grand Jour (8-11) at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp (4) pol.
Chia (IRE) 9-1 (8-12) Led, headed after 1f, remained in touch, no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Moi Aussi (9-6) at Southwell 1m 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Dec.
African Concerto (IRE) 9-1 (9-2) Slowly into stride, always behind, 10th of 12, 11l behind Grenane (9-4) at W'hampton 6f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Song of Silence (USA) 5-2fav (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, hung left over 2f out, no impression, 4th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Mambo Sun (8-12) at Southwell 7f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Dec.
Ms Rainbow Runner 5-1 (8-10) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened quickly, 6th of 7, 9l behind Prince Charlemagne (8-1) at Lingfield 1m 3yo app hcp (5) pol.
Deserted Prince (IRE) 7-2fav (8-12) Took keen hold, tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, last of 9, 3 1/2l behind La Via Ferrata (8-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
