Executive Force bids for a hat-trick under a double penalty having completed a double over a mile at Newcastle in the last week. He also steps up in trip today while BEAUTY SALON moves in the opposite direction having only managed fourth over 1m3f last time. But James Fanshawe’s filly had gone very close over today’s distance at Lingfield on a couple of occasions before that and she gets another chance. Zephyros should be sharper for a recent comeback but Orobas hasn’t raced since August and Bayston Hill disappointed at Lingfield having placed here earlier. Both Bollihope and Baasha won their penultimate starts but neither threatened the winner last time.
Executive Force Evensfav (9-4) Held up in close touch, smooth headway near side of group over 2f out, 2nd on bit over 1f out, led approaching final furlong, soon clear, eased towards finish, won at Newcastle 1m hcp (4) pol in Feb beating Rey Loopy (9-7) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Bayston Hill 8-1 (9-3) Held up in mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten, 4th of 7, 11 3/4l behind Forbidden Planet (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Bollihope Evensfav (9-13) Tracked leaders on inside, 2nd travelling well over 1f out, every chance until winner quickened on inside final furlong, kept on for 2nd, 2nd of 13, 3l behind Champagne Rules (9-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Beauty Salon 6-1 (9-2) Dwelt towards rear, headway on inner entering final furlong, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 12, 3l behind My Brother Mike (8-13) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Zephyros (GER) 22-1 (9-5) Held up towards rear, ridden on outside over 2f out, stayed on final 100 yards, no impression, 5th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Manfadh (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Baasha 7-1 (9-2) Held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, ridden and kept on inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 4th of 9, 3 3/4l behind Sir Prize (9-2) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Orobas (IRE) 9-2 (9-7) Chased leader, led over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, hung left over 1f out, kept on towards finish, 3rd of 9, nk behind Little Pippin (8-7) at Hamilton 1m 1f hcp (6) sft in Sep.
