tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner 2f out until 1f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, in rear, ridden halfway, never near leaders
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, driven to chase winner 1f out, kept on
slowly into stride, soon prominent, led over 2f out, hung left and driven out final furlong
led, headed over 4f out, remained prominent, ridden halfway, kept on same pace final furlong
slowly into stride, pushed along in rear, never dangerous
held up towards rear, headway under pressure over 1f out, never nearer
soon ridden in rear, behind final 3f
tracked leader, led over 4f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
Another tough race to call here for punters with very few runners in form but the principals look to be Fast Freddie, Trinculo Elusive Warrior and the vote is given to Fast Freddie. The selection has won his last two races in good style and beat Stormburst with a little in hand last time out, granted he is rising in the weights but he again has conditions and he is taken to defy the handicapper. Trinculo rates the main danger as he ran as if returning to form when second behind the selection but although he is better off at the weights he still has a little to find. Elusive Warrior is another that could go well on his best form but he disappointed for no apparent reason last time out so he can not be put forward with much confidence. Grand Palace is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but he now looks weighted up to his best. Of the remainder Obe One is handily weighted and could go well at a price but for the winner we return to the progressive Fast Freddie.
Fast Freddie 7-2 (9-4) Held up in touch, headway 2f out, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, driven out towards finish, won at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol beating Stormburst (9-0) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Elusive Warrior (USA) 6-1 (8-11) In touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 12, 10l behind Cabourg (8-9) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Grand Palace (IRE) 9-4fav (8-9) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 3/4l behind Bond Becks (8-13) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol.
Trinculo (IRE) 13-2 (9-0) Chased leaders, edged left inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 13, hd behind Fast Freddie (9-0) at W'hampton 5f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Kennington 12-1 (9-0) With leader until ridden over 3f out, edged right and hampered over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 13, 5l behind Fast Freddie (9-0) at W'hampton 5f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Double Carpet (IRE) 9-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 12th of 16, 9l behind Efisio Princess (8-5) at Windsor 6f hcp 0-70 (5) sft in Oct.
Mister Always 5-1 (8-3) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 11, 5l behind Joy And Pain (8-12) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Obe One 33-1 (8-2) Slowly into stride, behind and outpaced, never on terms, 10th of 19, 13l behind Memphis Man (9-3) at Ayr 6f hcp 0-65 (6) hvy in Oct.
Christian Bendix 25-1 (8-6) Towards rear, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, last of 11, 19l behind Lost All Alone (8-0) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-70 (6) pol in Nov.
Savile's Delight (IRE) 11-1 (8-13) Held up in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon struggling, 9th of 13, 11l behind Mick Is Back (8-12) at Chepstow 7f clm (6) sft in Jun.
