soon chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out
in touch, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
led after steady pace, green when went left and headed over 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong
always in rear, ridden and struggling final 4f
held up towards rear, pushed along 3f out, soon one pace and never reached leaders
took keen hold, held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, went 3rd over 1f out, closed on leading pair inside final furlong, finished well
in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, pushed along over 4f out, soon lost place
soon in touch, effort to chase leaders over 2f out until over 1f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leader, led over 2f out, hard ridden final furlong, all out
held up in last pair, no real progress final 2f
GENERAL KUTUZOV is given another chance but the likes of Recif De Thaix, Priors Glen and Volador are amongst those to be feared. Nick Gifford's runner was an eyecatcher on debut at this track in a race that has worked out well. It was disappointing that he failed to build on that at Newbury but the yard went through a bit of a lull and he could fare better back at a track where he has already run well. Recif De Thaix didn't fare too badly on his bow for this yard in a warm race and he could improve for this longer trip. Volador stayed on well to fill the runner-up's berth at Kempton in a fair contest and may be able to hold his own here. Priors Glen belied his starting price to run a stablemate of Volador's close in the Newbury race where the selection disappointed and he looks sure to make his presence felt. Viking Vic, Assay Office and Miss Nightshade are newcomers to note but we'll be siding with General Kutuzov.
General Kutuzov (IRE) 13-2 (11-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 16, 11l behind Qroktou (11-2) at Newbury 2m nhf (5) gs in Dec.
General Simara 33-1 (11-2) Close up until tried to run out on bend over 9f out, rear and never in race after, tailed off, 9th of 11, 35l behind Zarrafakt (10-13) at Folkestone 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Nov.
John's Gift 66-1 (10-11) Led for 1f, prominent, challenged over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace, 6th of 11, 13l behind Roman Conquest (11-1) at Wincanton 2m nhf (5) hvy in Jan.
Mtoto's Prince 33-1 (11-4) Towards rear, some progress halfway, ridden and weakened over 4f out, 11th of 12, well behind Secret Stash (10-8) at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) hvy.
Priors Glen (IRE) 40-1 (10-13) Held up, steady headway 5f out, challenged going well 2f out, led over 1f out, headed near finish, 2nd of 16, hd behind Qroktou (11-2) at Newbury 2m nhf (5) gs in Dec.
Viking Vic (IRE) Old Vic gelding out of Nordic Beauty.
Volador (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway 4f out, ridden 3f out, stayed on well final furlong, went 2nd final stride, 2nd of 13, 2l behind General Miller (10-7) at Kempton 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Assay Office Silver Patriarch mare out of Orchid House.
Calusa Lily (IRE) Lahib mare out of Something Fun.
Miss Nightshade Alflora mare out of Black Secret.
Icterus Insatiable gelding out of Mountain Lory.
Recif De Thaix (FR) 5-1 (10-12) Soon in touch, headway 3f out, chased leading pair over 1f out, one pace and no impression final furlong, 4th of 15, 5l behind Cill Rialaig (10-9) at Cheltenham 1m 4f 4yo nhf (1) gs in Jan.
Representingceltic (IRE) Presenting gelding out of Nobull.
