dwelt, in rear, ridden halfway, never a factor
always in rear, ridden halfway, never a factor
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened entering final 2f
chased leaders, ridden halfway, kept on, never going pace to challenge
tracked leader, led after 2f, ridden and joined 1f out, driven inside final furlong, stayed on gamely to assert towards finish
led 2f, chaesd winner, driven to join winner and every chance from 1f out, unable to quicken towards finish, just held on to 2nd
in rear, ridden halfway, never a factor
dwelt, always in rear, soon pushed along
tracked leaders, ridden halfway, kept on, never going pace to challenge
chased leading pair, ridden halfway, effort from over 1f out, stayed on towards finish
No obvious reason to oppose hat-trick seeking LESLEY'S CHOICE here and the gelding is selected to defy the handicapper once more from Bel Cantor and Colorus. The selection has two wins and two second's from four course and distance starts and did well to win at Kempton last time when strongly pressed late on. Up 4lbs today but returned to his ideal course the three-year-old will take some pegging back from a decent draw. Colorus is another sprinter who loves it here and this one ran right up to form at Wolverhampton last time, suggesting a win back here may not be too far away. Off 72 once more, Paul Pickard's mount merits respect although may struggle to contain our selection, as might Equuleus Pictor who has to prove he acts here although this one does enjoy testing turf. The biggest threat to our selection and likely favourite is Bel Cantor who bounced back to form here at the beginning of November and followed that with a good effort over six furlongs at Dunstall Park. Back in trip and returned to Southwell this admirable six-year-old should run a big race. At bigger prices Rebel Duke can usually be relied upon here but might need some respite from the assessor before returning first and for that prize we like Lesley's Choice.
Canadian Danehill (IRE) 33-1 (9-1) Raced wide, prominent, ridden, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 12, 6l behind Gilt Edge Girl (8-8) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Nov.
Toms Laughter 8-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, in rear, very wide into straight 2f out, kept on final furlong, nearest finish, 7th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Gilt Edge Girl (8-8) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Nov.
Mondovi 8-1 (8-12) Always behind, ridden and no chance final 2f, 9th of 10, 7l behind Green Manalishi (9-9) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Nov.
Rebel Duke (IRE) 12-1 (8-11) Tracked leader, every chance when ridden, hung right 2f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Gilt Edge Girl (8-8) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Nov.
Lesley's Choice 7-2fav (9-3) Made all, ridden over 1f out, held on well towards finish, won at Kempton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov beating Excellent Show (8-11) by nk, 11 ran.
Equuleus Pictor 16-1 (8-5) Always towards rear, 14th of 20, 4 1/2l behind Quest For Success (8-10) at Doncaster 5f hcp 0-100 (2) gs in Oct.
Baunagain (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Towards rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong, 10th of 11, 5l behind Lesley's Choice (9-3) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Pawan (IRE) 28-1 (8-13) In touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened 1f out, 7th of 9, 4l behind Brandywell Boy (8-0) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Bel Cantor 6-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, ridden to lead just over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 12, nk behind Perlachy (8-7) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Colorus (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed left strides, 2nd of 13, 1/2l behind Anne Of Kiev (9-4) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
