held up, some headway over 1f out, never near leaders
prominent, not much room over 5f out, ridden 2f out, every chance 1f out, not quicken
soon prominent, led over 3f out until over 2f out, soon weakened
held up, headway when not clear run and switched right well over 1f out, ridden to lead near finish
unseated rider leaving stalls
led early, always prominent, ridden 2f out, led 1f out, headed near finish
slowly into stride, never a factor
slowly into stride, soon led, headed over 3f out, regained lead over 2f out, ridden and headed 1f out, weakened well inside final furlong
Nonrunner
Vancouver Gold, Colonel Cotton, Desert Opal and Panshir hold the best chances on official ratings, which we will trust here, and the vote goes to Vancouver Gold. Lightly raced owing to injury problems, Vancouver Gold showed that she also has ability by winning a course and distance seller last time. More of the same would give her a big chance. Being six pounds better off for four lengths from that race, Distant Country holds place claims. Colonel Cotton was rated in the 100s back in the summer of 2004 and, much as his star no longer shines so brightly, anywhere near his best would see him go well. Desert Opal likes it here and, having won a six-furlong handicap on the surface in September, gets a very good mention. Finally, Panshir has lost his way over the last 18 months but, a return to anywhere near his form of that time would give him a chance. The others need to find improvement based on official ratings, although in these types of races that is not an impossibility. Vancouver Gold might just fly in the face of that point, though, and gets the vote.
Stagnite 16-1 (8-11) Took keen hold behind, ridden over 2f out, no progress, 8th of 11, 6l behind Burnley Al (9-2) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Vancouver Gold (IRE) 9-2 (8-7) In touch,chased leader halfway, ran on to lead well inside final furlong, won at W'hampton 7f sll (6) pol beating Aswan (9-0) by 1l, 12 ran.
Distant Country (USA) 9-2 (8-12) Held up, headway 3f out, ridden 2f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 12, 4l behind Vancouver Gold (8-7) at W'hampton 7f sll (6) pol.
Exit Smiling 7-1 (8-12) Held up, headway 3f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, 6th of 12, 11l behind Vancouver Gold (8-7) at W'hampton 7f sll (6) pol.
Fulvio (USA) 7-2 (9-1) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 6th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Prince of Gold (9-2) at W'hampton 7f banded stk (7) pol in Dec.
Sabo Prince 20-1 (9-1) Raced far side, towards rear, well behind final 2f, 10th of 12, 15l behind Golband (9-1) at Folkestone 6f 3yo hcp (6) gd in Aug.
Colonel Cotton (IRE) 25-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 13, 8l behind Graze On (9-3) at W'hampton 6f clm (6) pol.
Desert Opal 8-1 (9-2) Led early, stayed prominent, outpaced over 2f out, ran on final furlong, 4th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Shadow Jumper (8-11) at W'hampton 6f sll (6) pol.
