tracked leaders and keen, headway 3 out, chased winner before 2 out, ridden before last, no extra
in rear and in touch, took keen hold, ridden to chase winner from last, kept on and no impression
tracked leaders in 4th, chased winner before 3 out, ridden before last, soon lost 2nd place, no extra
tracked winner until before 2 out, soon weakened
made all, quickened before 3 out, mistake 2 out, found extra from last, kept on strongly
This looks to rest between the top three on the card, all of whom represent leading stables and appear progressive. Ballyhill has impressed with his attitude in Ludlow and Hereford successes, whilst Capitaine enjoyed a leisurely stroll around Wincanton in a match on his reappearance. He is highly regarded by the champion trainer but KHEZERABAD ran a fine race first time back when runner-up at Cheltenham before scoring with plenty in hand at Sandown. It's not easy to gauge the potential of the trio at this stage of their respective development but the Henderson charge really did impress the last day and also receives a useful 2lb from his prime adversaries.
Ballyhill (FR) 2-1 (11-5) Mid-division, closed 7th, challenged 2 out, led last, driven out, won at Ludlow 2m 5f (3) gd in Nov beating Moscato (11-0) by 3l, 8 ran.
Capitaine (FR) 1-9fav (10-12) Raced keenly, tracked leader, closed on bit to lead approaching 2 out, soon clear, unextended, won at Wincanton 1m 7f (3) gd in Nov beating Tell The Tale (10-12) by 20l, 2 ran.
Khezerabad (FR) 8-15fav (11-0) Tracked leading pair, disputing 2nd from 3rd, pushed along and challenged in 2nd 2 out, led before last, kept on strongly run-in, won at Sandown 2m mdn (4) gd in Nov beating Crystal Lad (11-0) by 4 1/2l, 4 ran.
Emperor Commodos 40-1 (11-7) Prominent early, chased leaders after 5th, weakened 4 out, tailed off, 10th of 11, dist behind Miss Estela (11-12) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Tahira (GER) 11-2 (11-6) Tracked leader, led approaching 3 out, ridden and headed between last two, 3rd and one pace before last, no extra and lost 3rd final 100 yards, 4th of 8, 9 1/4l behind Dusky Legend (11-3) at Newbury 2m (2) gd in Nov.
