held up in rear, headway 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, went 3rd last stride
took keen hold, in touch, headway 2f out, strong challenge over 1f out, ridden to narrow lead 1f out, no extra and headed final 100 yards
soon crossed over to lead, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leader until hung right over 2f out and soon weakened
held up in rear, headway on inside over 2f out, driven to chase leaders over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong, lost 3rd final stride
slowly into stride, raced wide, keen hold early and held up, ridden on outside over 2f out, no impression
soon chased leaders on inner, went 2nd over 2f out, ridden to narrow lead over 1f out, headed 1f out, rallied gamely under pressure to regain lead final 100 yards
slowly into stride, held up in rear, pushed along and no response over 2f out, soon beaten
A good race that can go to FANTASY EXPLORER though Sundae and Beckermet are likely to have friends in the market. The selection has been a model of consistency over the last couple of months and was far from disgraced at Wolverhampton on Monday. The handicapper has had plenty of chance to look at him but course form counts for plenty. Sundae is tried in first time blinkers. He has only had one previous run on an artificial surface so has to go into the box marked unexposed. Beckermet is potentially well treated on some of his turf form so the market has to be noted accordingly. Earlsmedic rarely wins though will give a good sighter from the front. Haajes has dropped back to a winning mark while Shifting Star appeared a progressive handicapper last term though has not exactly pulled up trees this calendar year. Plenty of plausible winners of this pot and Fantasy Explorer is the most deserving in our opinion.
Shifting Star (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) Held up, headway approaching 3f out, ridden and weakened approaching final furlong, 12th of 19, 8l behind Plum Pudding (9-10) at Newmarket 7f hcap (2) gf in Jul.
Fantasy Explorer 15-8fav (8-11) Close up travelling well, ridden to lead 1f out, edged right, headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd place post, 3rd of 12, 1 3/4l behind Gilt Edge Girl (8-8) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-95 (3) pol.
Beckermet (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) Led, ridden 2f out, headed 1f out, kept on but no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 4l behind Sirocco Breeze (9-6) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Oct.
Beat The Bell 14-1 (9-2) Held up towards rear, ridden 2f out, kept on, never a factor, 6th of 9, 9l behind Sirocco Breeze (9-6) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Oct.
Sundae 8-1 (8-8) Chased leaders, weakened over 2f out, last of 18, 47l behind Servoca (8-6) at Doncaster 6f hcp 105 (2) gd in Oct.
Ray of Joy 14-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, nearest finish, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Bea Menace (8-12) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Princess Valerina 16-1 (8-12) Slowly away, behind, effort hung left and not clear run over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 6th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Orpenindeed (9-2) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Earlsmedic 11-4fav (8-12) Led, headed 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2 1/4l behind Fantasy Explorer (9-4) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
River Kirov (IRE) 4-1 (9-4) Mid-division, pushed along halfway, ridden and headway on outer from over 1f out, stayed on to take 2nd post, 2nd of 11, 3/4l behind Ektimaal (9-2) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Haajes 7-1 (9-0) Behind, headway towards centre over 1f out, plugged on, never reached leaders, 7th of 14, 7l behind Arthur's Edge (8-5) at Goodwood 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Oct.
