tracked leaders, ridden over 5f out, well held 4th over 1f out
held up towards rear, effort on wide outside over 3f out, soon weakened, tailed off
dropped out start, held up in rear, pushed along over 4f out, no impression
in touch, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, tailed off
held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous
held up in mid-division, headway over 3f out, soon went 3rd, one pace final 2f, no chance with winner
prominent, ridden 4f out, no impression and well held from over 2f out
ridden leaving stalls, soon prominent, led 5f out, kicked clear from over 3f out, soon well in command, stayed on well
led, headed 5f out, weakened over 3f out, tailed off
in touch in mid-division, closed 7f out, chased winner over 3f out, soon no impression
TRACHONITIS won this race last year and gets the vote to do so again. He arrives in good form having gone close over C&D on his latest start when beaten by Dontpaytheferryman. John Jenkins' charge reopposes on more favourable terms here and can gain his revenge. Lay Claim finally got off the mark when winning a maiden race here last time and should figure again, while City Stable is another to consider on his return to action given he won over 1m6f here in July. My Mate Mal is slipping down the weights and could make his presence felt, but Ramora has gone off the boil since her win here in November.
Iron Out (USA) 14-1 (9-1) In touch, pushed along 7f out, ridden 4f out, driven 2f out, soon beaten, 9th of 10, 15l behind West End Lad (8-10) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Lay Claim (USA) 11-10fav (9-3) Steadied in rear, headway over 8f out, led over 2f out, clear over 1f out, eased right down final furlong, won at Southwell 1m 4f mdn stks (5) fbs beating Truly Magnificent (8-9) by 3l, 7 ran.
Trachonitis (IRE) 13-8fav (9-7) Held up in touch, smooth headway over 2f out, confidently ridden when every chance approaching final furlong, unable to quicken closing stages, 2nd of 5, 3/4l behind Dontpaytheferryman (8-3) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Master Of Dance (IRE) 9-1 (9-4) Chased leaders on outside, ridden and effort 2f out to over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 6, 7l behind General Tufto (9-1) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
City Stable (IRE) 4-1 (9-13) Always in rear, last of 10, 11l behind Moscow Oznick (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jul.
Jack Dawkins (USA) 14-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 2f out, 6th of 14, 17l behind Spring Secret (9-0) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) hvy in Nov.
My Mate Mal 9-2 (9-9) Led, driven and headed over 4f out, weakened 2f out, tailed off, 4th of 5, 31l behind Rosewin (9-0) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Dontpaytheferryman (USA) 15-8 (8-11) Raced keenly tracking leader, driven to challenge well over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 5, 1 1/2l behind Rhythm Stick (9-1) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp (0-65) (6) pol.
Helieorbea 11-1 (9-8) Held up towards rear, ridden over 1f out, never dangerous, 11th of 15, 9l behind Tropical Duke (9-1) at Redcar 1m 2f ladies hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Aug.
Ramora (USA) 14-1 (8-6) Held up in 4th, ridden over 3f out, no impression, well beaten over 1f out, 4th of 5, 13l behind Kumbeshwar (8-5) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
