raced on outer, mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no headway soon weakened
tracked leaders, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, always held
behind, ridden over 2f out, never troubled leaders
tracked leader, ridden to lead just over 2f out, ran on, ridden out
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened rapidly over 1f out
steadied start, took keen hold, settled in rear, not clear run and checked well over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish
led until headed just over 2f out, kept on, lost 2nd inside final furlong
prominent, ridden along over 2f out, no progress and soon weakened
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, went 4th 2f out, stayed on same pace final 2f, never nearer
took keen hold behind, kept on from over 1f out, never nearer
in rear, headway on inside 2f out, no threat when eased inside final furlong
Nonrunner
Mulberry Lad gets the vote in the opener with Dawson Creek and Royal Guest the others to consider. The selection is a course specialist and he was a close second behind Sir Don over 6f here last time. He looks primed to take his chance today even if this trip is perhaps not his best. Dawson Creek did not see out the trip here last time but he may find this a little on the sharp side so for that reason is passed over. Royal Guest was pulled-up over hurdles last time but he had gone close previously in a handicap at Kempton and a reproduction of that effort would make him competitive. A Teen would have claims on his best form but he doesn't win very often and the percentage call is to take him on. All of which returns us to Mulberry Lad who can land the prize.
Mulberry Lad (IRE) 3-1fav (8-10) Chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, soon chasing winner, stayed on well towards finish, 2nd of 11, hd behind Sir Don (8-11) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol.
Strut The Stage (IRE) 7-2 (9-0) Behind in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, not trouble leaders, 4th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Angel Voices (8-7) at Kempton 6f stk 0-55 (6) pol.
Regal Royale 13-2 (8-13) Tracked leader, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Grand Palace (9-0) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol.
Dawson Creek (IRE) 9-2jt-fav (8-12) Tracked leaders, led over 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra, 4th of 13, 2l behind Play Up Pompey (8-13) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Royal Guest 8-1 (8-10) Steady start held up towards rear, headway 2f out, stayed on strongly inside final furlong, just failed, 2nd of 13, hd behind Under Fire (8-10) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Nov.
Mind Alert 11-1 (8-7) Mid-division, headway 1f out, ridden and stayed on towards finish, 4th of 12, 3/4l behind Bond Becks (8-13) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol.
Tuning Fork 25-1 (8-7) Led until over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 13, 10l behind Play Up Pompey (8-13) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Itsawindup 50-1 (8-13) Held up in touch, lost place over 2f out, 11th of 13, 10l behind Play Up Pompey (8-13) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Bollywood (IRE) 8-1 (8-8) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 11th of 13, 6l behind My Jeanie (9-0) at Kempton 1m hcp (6) pol.
A Teen 33-1 (9-4) Towards rear, headway on wide outside over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, 8th of 10, 19l behind Dancing Deano (8-13) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs.
Frank's Quest (IRE) 33-1 (8-1) Mid-division, lost place 3f out, never dangerous final 2f, 10th of 13, 5l behind My Jeanie (9-0) at Kempton 1m hcp (6) pol.
Aggbag 20-1 (8-4) Slowly into stride, in rear, never near leaders, 7th of 9, 7l behind Green Lagonda (9-3) at W'hampton 6f clm (6) pol.
