held up, headway approaching 1f out, ridden to lead towards finish, ran on
led, headed over 3f out, led again over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on one pace
dwelt, soon tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakening when hampered inside final furlong
pulled hard, raced wide held up, headway to lead over 3f out until over 2f out
tracked leader, ridden and every chance 2f out, keeping on one pace when hampered inside final furlong
keen, always in rear
reared start, keen held up, ridden and kept on final furlong, never nearer
keen, tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace
Lastkingofscotland's best form has come in selling grade and his win last time out probably flatters, so preference is for the consistent CHARLIE SMIRKE ahead of Teen Ager and Lopinot. Gary Moore's gelding has often had his resolution questioned but he seemed to dispel that theory when coming home well clear here last month. As a result he is 7lb higher in the handicap but a truly run race will suit and he shouldn't be far away. Jimmy Fortune looks an interesting booking for Lastkingofscotland, Straight Face is consistent and has been holding his form well at a lower level but he struggles to get his head in front, whilst Simple Rhythm looks well-handicapped but has stamina to prove. El Libertador has plenty to find with the selection on their recent running, Wrighty Almighty is a course and distance winner but his profile is hit and miss, whilst Teen Ager also runs this course well and should appreciate this step back up in trip. Lopinot is consistent and won't be far away, however the tentative vote goes to Charlie Smirke.
Charlie Smirke (USA) 5-1fav (8-4) Mid-division, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Gaily Noble (9-4) at Lingfield 1m app hcp (0-85) (4yo+) (4) pol.
Lastkingofscotland (IRE) 11-10fav (8-12) Pulled hard, led after 1f, clear 2f out, unchallenged, won at Lingfield 1m sell stks (6) pol beating Hip Hip Hooray (8-8) by 4l, 7 ran.
Straight Face (IRE) 13-2 (9-4) Tracked leaders in 4th, went 2nd inside final furlong, kept on towards finish, just held, 2nd of 8, nk behind What's Up Doc (8-12) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f sell stks (6) pol.
Simple Rhythm 66-1 (9-4) Always in rear, 8th of 10, 6l behind Raimond Ridge (8-10) at Lingfield 5f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.
El Libertador (USA) 9-2 (9-2) Held up in last trio, pushed along over 2f out, never a factor, 9th of 11, 5l behind Charlie Smirke (9-1) at Lingfield 1m hacp 0-70 (5) pol in Feb.
Wrighty Almighty (IRE) 11-2 (9-4) Raced in last place, effort when ran very wide bend into straight 2f out, went moderate 3rd 1f out, 3rd of 7, 10l behind Lastkingofscotland (8-12) at Lingfield 1m sell stks (6) pol.
Teen Ager (FR) 7-2 (9-1) Took keen hold, chased leaders, outpaced 2f out, no danger after, 5th of 8, 2 3/4l behind Sweet Applause (8-4) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Feb.
Lopinot (IRE) 4-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, headway over 3f out, every chance approaching final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 10, 1 3/4l behind Woolston Ferry (9-1) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Markhesa 7-1 (8-3) Mid-division, ridden, weakened and hung left 3f out, 10th of 11, 24l behind Day Of The Eagle (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 3yo app hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Oct.
