prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
held up in touch, pushed along over 2f out, beaten over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up towards rear, well in touch, improved over 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, ran on towards finish, just held
held up in rear, headway 2f out, chasing leaders when jockeys left foot slipped out of iron and unseated over 1f out
took keen hold, always prominent, led well over 2f out, pushed out final furlong, closed down towards finish, always holding on
held up in last, headway 2f out, edged left under pressure over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not pace to challenge
led, headed well over 2f out, weakening when slightly hampered over 1f out
Nicky Henderson's Chef Junior was a beaten favourite on his point debut but showed enough promise to be considered here but with him and debutant Tiger Bay looking in need of a longer trip we side with INNER STEEL in this two mile contest. A winning pointer the selection also showed a bit on promise on his rules debut in a Kempton bumper over this trip. His pedigree suggests success over this test is a distinct possibility and if settling better than on that debut run it could be this time. Chef Junior was placed in that run between the flags and although from a useful family the emphasis in that bloodline is on stamina. Tiger Bay is also related to plenty of stayers but does have a line with the high-class two mile performer Chinrullah so might be the biggest danger to the pick while Willie Martin has had the benefit of experience and could build on that. This looks one of the toughest races of the day to judge and we give marginal preference to Inner Steel.
Bollin River Bollin William gelding out of Kuwait Dawn.
Chef Junior (FR) 2-1 (10-7) 3rd of 12, 14l behind Watch And Praey (10-7) at Trebudannon 2m 4f ptp gd in Apr.
Inner Steel (IRE) 4-6 (11-7) won at Cottenham 2m 4f ptp in Dec beating Knightsbridgelives (12-0) by 4l, 14 ran.
Lombardy Boy (IRE) Milan gelding out of Horner Water.
Prolinx (IRE) Oscar gelding out of Winter Break.
Tiger Bay (IRE) Goldmark gelding out of Roussanne.
Willie Martin (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) Mid-division, closer in 4th 5f out, dropped to moderate 6th 4f out, no extra from 3f out, weakened, tailed off, 6th of 10, well behind On His Own (11-9) at Leopardstown 2m 4f N H flat in Dec.
