pulled hard towards rear, headway halfway, stumbled over 5f out, soon tracking leaders, weakened over 1f out
always behind, tailed off over 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
led, quickened over 3f out, headed over 1f out, one pace
held up in touch, chased leaders over 3f out, led over 1f out, soon ridden, edged left, ran on
pulled hard and prominent, hard ridden over 2f out, soon weakened and eased
This is a very moderate heat with top-rated Cactus King not looking in the best of form and Nyetimber well beaten last time so our vote goes to SUNSET BOULEVARD. The selection has a win and two second's in sellers here and as all of those efforts came at this trip he looks the solid one. On adjusted figures he's got 10lbs to find with Cactus King and is also held by Nyetimber but neither look quite worthy of their official marks and we prefer the consistency of our pick. Cactus King is rated 65 and two of his three wins have come here. A prominent racer, this one stepped up to a mile and a half for the first time when last seen in June of 2009 and looked to be outstayed, so with fitness an issue he looks opposable despite having clear claims on paper. Nyetimber is unexposed having had just the four starts and on maiden form looks to have a chance. However, this one ran no race when beaten at Southwell last time and so whilst many will forgive that one poor effort the percentage play is to oppose him. Classic Blue is down to run in a handicap on Thursday so it remains to be seen if this one lines up, but his best form offers hope and the yard are going well so a market check is advised if he does. Randomer has been off the track for almost two years and showed little in Irish bumpers whilst Kamanja has a bit to find and so this looks best left to Sunset Boulevard.
Cactus King 15-2 (10-0) Soon led, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 8l behind Medieval Maiden (9-9) at Lingfield 1m 4f sell stks (6) pol in Jun.
Randomer 33-1 (11-0) Mid-division, lost place halfway, soon no danger, completely tailed off, 14th of 15, well behind Uimhiraceathair (11-4) at Curragh 2m 4yo nhf sft in May '08.
Sunset Boulevard (IRE) 9-2fav (9-6) In touch, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 11th of 12, 30l behind Resplendent Ace (9-9) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f clm stks 0-60 (6) pol in Jul.
Nyetimber (USA) 12-1 (8-13) In rear, ridden halfway, weakened 4f out, 5th of 6, 22l behind Shadows Lengthen (10-2) at Southwell 1m 4f app hcp (6) fbs in Dec.
Classic Blue (IRE) 10-1 (8-11) Towards rear, well behind 3f out, tailed off, last of 12, well behind Hint Of Honey (8-5) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec.
Kamanja (UAE) 33-1 (7-13) 4th of 5, 11l behind Rocky's Pride (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f clm stks in Dec.
