chased clear leader, still plenty to do 2f out, stayed on steadily from over 1f out, led final half furlong, asserted near finished
in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, not reach leaders
awkward leaving stalls, slowly into stride, towards rear, headway on inner over 2f out, ridden to go 3rd over 1f out, closed on leaders near finish
soon outpaced in rear, ridden 3f out, never a factor
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression over 1f out
led, set fast pace, soon clear, still clear over 1f out, no extra when headed final furlong
behind, ridden and outpaced 3f out, soon weakened, never dangerous
chased leaders throughout, ridden over 2f out, no impression 1f out
mid-division, ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never nearer
always towards rear, struggling over 2f out
Several with claims, not least Desiderio and course and distance winner Talamahana but none makes as much appeal as Orpen's Art. The progressive gelding has been in cracking form since winning at Southwell in January and ran on well to win for the first time since at Lingfield last week. Both wins and his recent outings have all been over 5 but he promises to be just as effective, if not more so, at this trip and should take the beating despite his penalty. Desiderio should win races from his current mark but lacks a recent run whilst Talamahana, although heading the right way, could struggle from her revised mark in a better race. The handicap debutants are worth a market check for signs of confidence but they'll need to improve significantly to trouble Orpen's Art.
Wee Buns 11-4 (8-7) Pulled hard, tracked winner, ridden over 1f out, kept on near finish, 3rd of 5, 3/4l behind Ike Quebec (9-2) at Kempton 6f 3yo clm (6) pol.
Montiboli (IRE) 9-1 (9-4) Steadied start, held up, pushed along halfway, headway over 1f out, soon ridden to challenge, kept on well, 2nd of 8, shd behind Note Perfect (8-7) at Southwell 6f 3yo hcp (6) fbs.
Orpen's Art (IRE) 9-4fav (8-3) In rear, headway over 1f out, ridden and ran on to lead towards finish, won at Lingfield 5f 3yo hcp (5) pol beating Seductive Witch (8-6) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
Elegant Step 12-1 (8-12) Led until over 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 12, 9l behind Top Draw (8-12) at Lingfield 7f 3yo mdn (5) pol.
Golden Dane (IRE) 9-2 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 7, 4l behind Orpen's Art (8-3) at Lingfield 5f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Extreme North (USA) 10-1 (8-4) Led until ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on well for 3rd, 3rd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Asian Power (9-0) at Kempton 6f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Marquis de Louvois (IRE) 25-1 (8-12) Chased leader, ridden halfway, kept on one pace from over 1f out, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Elusive Hawk (9-13) at Southwell 6f mdn stk (5) fbs.
Alabama Spirit (USA) 11-2 (9-0) Held up, headway over 2f out, soon ridden to challenge, short of room over 1f out and inside final furlong, kept on, 5th of 8, 2 1/2l behind Note Perfect (8-7) at Southwell 6f 3yo hcp (6) fbs.
Tiepie 18-1 (8-11) Bumped start, held up, chased leaders 2f out, not quicken, one pace from over 1f out, 4th of 7, 6l behind Prime Factor (8-11) at Kempton 6f mdn aut stk (5) pol.
Desiderio 12-1 (8-1) Soon outpaced in rear, driven and headway on inside 2f out, went 2nd 1f out, stayed on as winner tiring, always held, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Bazguy (8-13) at Kempton 6f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Ballyhealy Lady 14-1 (8-11) Towards rear, ridden and outpaced final 2f, never dangerous, last of 6, 8l behind Talamahana (8-9) at Kempton 6f 3yo hcp (6) pol.
Talamahana 4-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, headway to lead 1f out, ridden clear inside final furlong, won at Kempton 6f 3yo hcp (6) pol beating Regal Veil (8-5) by 2l, 6 ran.
