slowly into stride, behind, pushed along halfway, headway under pressure well over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, never nearer
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace
outpaced and always behind
chased leaders, stayed on to take 2nd well inside final furlong, not reached winner
outpaced and always in rear
with leader, led halfway, ridden over 1f out, ran on well
reared leaving stalls, soon led, headed halfway, chased winner after until no extra well inside final furlong
chased leaders, weakened final 1f
outpaced and always in rear, tailed off
Nonrunner
Both Mr Funshine and Brazilian Brush were suited by this track running slow last time so with conditions similar the pair have chances but GRAND PALACE is looking dangerous at the weights these days and should also find the going no inconvenience in this five furlong handicap. The seven-year-old gelding has found just the one too good on his last two starts and while those have come on polytrack he is a former course and distance scorer so racing off a mark 12lbs lighter than when last in front he has to be given every respect. Mr Funshine capped an improving run of form with a victory over course and distance on his last outing and he should go well enough under five pounds extra. Brazilian Brush destroyed a the field over six furlongs last time and while that was impressive it could have been that everything fell just right for him that day but if he has turned a corner he¿ll be back challenging. Head To Head is yet to prove himself over this trip from 21 starts and may be short again while top-weight Best One should get involved but has some from to overturn. A tricky start to the day but Grand Palace can get us off to a winning start.
Best One 9-2 (9-1) Chased leader, every chance entering final furlong, no extra towards finish, 4th of 9, 2l behind Greek Secret (8-12) at Lingfield 5f Handicap in Dec.
Grand Palace (IRE) 9-2 (9-1) Towards rear, pushed along halfway, headway under pressure over 1f out, stayed on well towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Greek Secret (8-12) at Lingfield 5f Handicap in Dec.
Mr Funshine 14-1 (8-4) Held up, ridden 2f out, headway entering final furlong, driven to lead and edged left final 50 yards, won at Southwell 5f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec beating First Swallow (9-3) by hd, 13 ran.
Brazilian Brush (IRE) 18-1 (8-6) Chased leader, led over 2f out, ridden clear well over 1f out, ran on well, easily, won at Southwell 6f hcp 0-52 (6) fbs beating Tango Step (7-13) by 10l, 8 ran.
Head To Head (IRE) 17-2 (8-10) Led, ridden 2f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Thoughtsofstardom (8-11) at Southwell 5f hcp (6) fbs in Dec.
Lujiana 33-1 (8-4) In touch, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 10th of 11, 5l behind Welcome Approach (8-6) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Nov.
Truly Divine 33-1 (8-11) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 11th of 12, 13l behind Bold Rose (8-9) at Lingfield 7f Handicap in Dec.
Tenancy (IRE) 11-1 (8-6) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 5th of 11, 2 1/4l behind Peopleton Brook (9-4) at Lingfield 6f Handicap (0-58) (4yo+) (6) pol.
Take That 200-1 (8-6) Awkward at start, soon pushed along in rear, last of 10, 30l behind Northern Bolt (9-0) at Catterick 5f clm stks (6) sft in Nov.
Spring Bridge (IRE) 100-1 (8-9) Held up mid-division, headway over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 11, 7l behind Peopleton Brook (9-4) at Lingfield 6f Handicap (0-58) (4yo+) (6) pol.
