held up in rear, not clear run from 2f out, switched left 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, just failed, unlucky
close up, not clear run on rail and snatched up 2f out, again over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
held up 4th, ridden to challenge over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
took keen hold, tracked leader, effort 2f out, every chance approaching final furlong, no extra, weakened well inside final furlong
steadied start, held up towards rear, ridden 2f out, quickened over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, just held on
held up 5th, headway to lead on inside over 1f out, hard pressed from 1f out, headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd close home
took keen hold, led, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on one pace
There should be more to come from Watchmaker and Rising Force but we like the look of Royal Fantasy. Anything that James Fanshawe runs at this time of year has to be feared and this one is no different. This is the first time that she's run over this trip but she should have no problems getting home and should handle the surface. She has been off following a below par run at Wolverhampton but looked an unlucky loser at Lingfield prior to that when given plenty to do by Jamie Spencer. Rising Force has improved with each start since arriving from Ireland and a 4lb rise for his win here last time is unlikely to prevent him from winning again. Watchmaker is a shade more exposed but comes into the race in good form and looks sure to have a say in the outcome. The topweight could be a class above these rivals though and Royal Fantasy has our approval.
Royal Fantasy (IRE) 5-4fav (9-7) Held up towards rear, hung left well over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Cinematic (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Sudden Impulse 11-2 (9-4) Held up, headway over 2f out, one pace, 4th of 5, 3 1/2l behind Fresh Mint (9-7) at W'hampton 1m 4f fll hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Rising Force (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden to lead 1f out, edged left under pressure inside final furlong, ran on, won at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-70 (5) pol beating Sri Kuantan (9-9) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Watchmaker 11-4fav (9-2) Steadied start, raced keenly, soon tracked leader, pressed leader 4f out, led just over 1f out, held on gamely, won at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jan beating Blu Manruna (9-6) by a nk, 10 ran.
Ryedale Ovation (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) Held up in rear, smooth headway on outside over 2f out, led inside final 2f, soon in command, clear final furlong, won at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov beating Recalcitrant (9-1) by 2l, 14 ran.
Most Definitely (IRE) 15-2 (8-11) Steady start, held up towards rear, headway from 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, every chance, no extra final 50 yards, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Smokey The Bear (9-8) at Kempton 1m 4f hcap (5) pol.
Raquel White 11-4 (9-1) Always prominent, went 2nd over 6f out, ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed close home, 2nd of 9, hd behind Fantasy Ride (9-8) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.
Shogun Prince (IRE) 9-2 (9-6) Mid-division, headway 4f out, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 4th of 9, 8l behind Casual Affair (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
