tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace
led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened
prominent, smooth headway to lead over 1f out, driven clear inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 1f out, soon one pace
in touch until weakened halfway
behind and soon outpaced, ridden halfway, kept on one pace
slowly into stride, always behind
in touch, ridden halfway, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden halfway, soon beaten
Pieter Brueghel gets the call ahead of Rebel Duke, Monashee Brave and Ulysees to name but a few. Another Spencer mount is fancied here in the shape of Pieter Brueghel who has show in recent weeks that there is another victory to be had, albeit at this lowly level. The Dandy Nichols inmate was partnered by the Irishman at Ayr five-days ago when the pair finished second over six-furlongs on heavy ground. The faster conditions and drop back in trip here look just right for the eight-year-old who can gain his first success in over two years. Rebel Duke has his first start for David Barker, having been claimed from Mick Quinlan after his third at Wolverhampton recently. The three-year-old was a beaten favourite that day, but has already won twice during his relatively short career, and is seen as a leading player here. Monashee Brave has to be respected as well, as he now drops in grade after chasing home El Potro in a Nottingham handicap three weeks ago, while of the rest, any support for Ulysees should be noted. However, we shall remain loyal to Pieter Brueghel.
Rebel Duke (IRE) 11-4jt-fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner 2f out, weakened final furlong, 3rd of 10, 3l behind Desert Opal (9-5) at W'hampton 5f clm (6) pol in Oct.
African Storm (IRE) 33-1 (8-4) With leader, ridden and weakened quickly over 2f out, 10th of 11, 15l behind Lizarazu (8-12) at Epsom 7f clm (5) gf in Jul '05.
Ashes (IRE) 9-2 (8-10) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 2f out, 7th of 10, 11l behind Desert Opal (9-5) at W'hampton 5f clm (6) pol in Oct.
Monashee Brave (IRE) 8-1 (8-10) Close up stand's side, every chance final furlong, stayed on well inside final furlong, 2nd of 16, 1l behind El Potro (8-9) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-65 (6) sft in Oct.
Pieter Brueghel (USA) 9-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, every chance inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 16, 1 1/2l behind Paris Bell (8-12) at Ayr 6f hcp 0-80 (4) hvy.
Scottish Spirit (IRE) 200-1 (9-0) Led stands' side until ridden and weakened quickly over 2f out, last of 13, 46l behind Maysarah (8-9) at Hamilton 6f mdn stk (5) gd in May.
Valiant Romeo 8-1 (8-9) Chased leaders stand's side group, edged left from over 1f out, one pace, 5th of 13, 6l behind Baybshambles (8-13) at Catterick 5f app hcp (6) gd in Oct.
Alexia Rose (IRE) 33-1 (8-4) Slowly into stride and behind, ridden halfway and kept on final furlong, 7th of 17, 4l behind Jadan (8-10) at Ayr 5f hcp 0-60 (6) gs in Oct.
Noddledoddle (IRE) 50-1 (8-4) Slowly into stride, always in rear, 13th of 14, 11l behind Ever Cheerful (9-1) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
The Brat 80-1 (8-1) Mid-division, lost place over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 14, 18l behind Brut (9-0) at Catterick 5f clm (6) gf.
Ulysees (IRE) 25-1 (8-9) Mid-division, ridden and outpaced half way, headway when not clear run well over 1f out, stayed on strongly final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 16, 5l behind Dendor (8-7) at Ayr 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gs in Oct.
