mid-division, ridden and headway over 5f out, weakened and eased over 2f out
prominent, ridden and every chance well over 1f out, soon weakened
led early, tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
slowly into stride, always behind
tracked leaders, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out
in touch, led well over 1f out, soon ridden clear, ran on
soon led, ridden over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, kept on same pace
held up, headway 2f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on same pace
mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, one pace fina furlong
Little Richard, Moon Emperor and Caraman catch the eye here and Little Richard is taken to complete the hat-trick. Caraman landed his first Flat race last time, scoring here over a mile and a half. That was his first win since scoring over hurdles at Newcastle a year ago and he will appreciate this step up in trip. The nine year old Moon Emperor improved for the application of first time blinkers over the course and distance last time and scored emphatically. A six pound penalty may be enough to anchor him though. Little Richard is three pounds higher than when scoring over a mile and a half here last time. He had previously won over two furlongs further at the track and this two mile trip should be within his compass. His form reads well and he still looks well handicapped. Little Richard can take this competitive affair.
Peak Park (USA) 9-4 (9-12) Towards rear, pushed along halfway, driven and headway over 2f out, ridden to chase winner final furlong, 2nd of 7, 13l behind Spitting Image (9-7) at Southwell 2m hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Monte Cristo (FR) 9-2 (9-9) In touch, led 6f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Peak Park (9-8) at Southwell 2m hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Nov.
Caraman (IRE) 10-3 (9-4) Chased leaders, when 2nd over 2f out, led well inside final furlong, won at W'hampton 1m 4f mdn stk (5) pol beating Newnham (9-4) by a nk, 11 ran.
Red Sun 10-1 (10-13) Chased leaders, went 2nd after 5f, led over 5f out, stayed on well, won at W'hampton 2m 1f amt hcp (6) pol beating Tycheros (10-5) by 2l, 12 ran.
Moon Emperor 12-1 (9-9) Held up, smooth headway over 3f out, led 2f out, pushed out, won at Southwell 2m hcp 0-65 (6) fbs beating Blue Hills (9-7) by 3l, 9 ran.
Mostarsil (USA) 9-1 (8-9) In touch until ridden and lost place 4f out, 9th of 13, 9l behind Principal Witness (8-9) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Ocean King (USA) 7-2fav (9-5) Held up mid-division, ridden and along and headway 3f out, weakened well over 1f out, 6th of 12, 5l behind I'll Do It Today (8-11) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
Little Richard (IRE) 9-1 (8-9) Mid-division, headway 7f out, not much room over 1f out, soon ridden, ran on to lead close home, won at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) pol beating Star Welcome (8-8) by 1l, 12 ran.
