held up in rear, headway on outer over 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, not quicken well inside final furlong
held up, ridden over 1f out, one pace
held up in touch, ridden well over 1f out, soon weakened
chased leader, ridden over 1f out, kept on
led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon ridden, ran on to lead again inside final furlong, just held on
slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, led, ridden to lead well over 1f out, edged right inside final furlong and soon headed, ran on
Appalachian Trail goes well at this course and makes slightly more appeal than Psychiatrist and Master Theo, who are the pick of the opposition on recent evidence. That said, One More Round has claims at the weights and, as his yard have been in good form lately, he is worth noting in the betting market. Master Theo is a game performer that can usually be relied upon to give his all. However, that might not be quite good enough at this level and, as he already has a bit to find with the selection, he needs everything to fall into place today. Psychiatrist has held his form well and comes here on the back of a confidence boosting win at Lingfield from last month. However, a literal reading of his form lines with Red Spell leaves him vulnerable if Appalachian Trail hits the gates running and Ian Semple's charge just gets the nod on this occasion. His case is strengthened by his record at Wolverhampton and Appalachian Trail has a solid chance of making the long journey down from Lanakshire worthwhile.
Appalachian Trail (IRE) 9-2fav (9-0) Held up, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on inside final furlong, not trouble winner, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Suggestive (9-12) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec.
Master Theo (USA) 9-2 (9-2) Mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden 2f out, ran on final furlong, 3rd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Hail The Chief (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
One More Round (USA) 12-1 (9-9) Held up, effort over 2f out, no impression, last of 7, 20l behind Gentleman's Deal (8-7) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-100 (2) fbs.
Psychiatrist 9-4 (8-12) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Lingfield 1m Cond Stakes (4) pol in Dec beating Azarole (9-8) by a nk, 6 ran.
Putra Sas (IRE) 20-1 (9-7) Keen and in touch, ridden and weakened 2f out, last of 8, 8l behind Cold Turkey (8-10) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec.
Trifti 10-1 (9-0) Soon in touch, headway to chase leader well over 1f out, switched right 1f out, ridden to lead close home, just held on, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov beating Crail (8-13) by a shd, 12 ran.
