mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no impression
led at good pace, cleared 7f out, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway over 1f out, ran on, nearest finish
slowly into stride, held up, headway over 2f out, weakening inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, losing place when hampered over 2f out
held up, headway over 1f out, never near leaders
mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, led well inside final furlong, ran on
mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden and edged left over 1f out, ran on
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
chased leader, led over 2f out, ridden 1f out, headed and not quicken well inside final furlong
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
We will take a chance on Blue Patrick, with Mizz Tee and Almanshood other names with which to conjure. Mizz Tee has looked an improved performer of late and cannot be ruled out on a surface she seems to like. Baylaw Star needs improvement and Graham Island has so far seemed better over slightly longer trips. Skidmark missed the kick last time but then stayed on for a never-nearer finish, showing more encouragement than he had done for a while. Desert Dreamer is six pounds better off with Mizz Tee for eight-and-a-half lengths based on December course and distance form, which might not be enough. Blue Patrick has been running well here of late and, stepping up in trip from last time when noted staying, is given claims, while Just Fly might sneak a place, and Almanshood, who found all bar the progressive Gentleman's Deal too good over course and distance last time, is another to consider. Little Jimbob's best 2005 Turf form gives him claims but, overall, the others need to find some improvement. All of which returns us to the selection, which is Blue Patrick.
Mizz Tee (IRE) 6-1 (7-13) Chased leader, hard ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 9, 6l behind Tiger Tiger (8-9) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) pol.
Baylaw Star 25-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 16th of 17, 23l behind Hinterland (8-13) at Haydock 1m hcp (3) gs in Sept.
Graham Island 8-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders and keen, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 9, 6l behind Numero Due (8-5) at Thirsk 2m hcp (4) gf in Aug.
Skidmark 9-1 (8-12) Dwelt, held up last, headway on inside when hampered on rail 1f out, switched right and running on when squeezed out final 75 yards, 6th of 10, 2 1/2l behind El Tiger (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Desert Leader (IRE) 10-1 (8-11) Steadied start and behind, headway on outside 3f out, ridden over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 11, 3l behind Gentleman's Deal (9-5) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Blue Patrick 13-8fav (8-13) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Deeper In Debt (9-4) at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (5) pol.
Almanshood (USA) 28-1 (8-3) Led, ridden 2f out, headed well inside final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Gentleman's Deal (9-5) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Western Roots 5-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, headway on wide outside over 1f out, ran on final furlong to take 3rd near finish, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Bonnabee (8-7) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
