towards rear, ridden over 3f out, soon struggling
held up mid-division, ridden 2f out, no impression over 1f out
took keen hold, led, ridden and headed inside final 2 furlongs, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, went 2nd well inside final furlong, no chance with winner
slowly into stride, behind, outpaced over 2f out, kept on final furlong, never dangerous
always in rear group, ridden 3f out, never dangerous
slowly into stride, always in rear, ridden 3f out, no progress
held up 4th, ridden and effort over 1f out, no impression on leaders final furlong, weakened towards finish
tracked leader, led inside final 2 furlongs, ridden clear 1f out, driven out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced, weakened over 1f out
Tension Mounts gets the nod but there are several runners to fear, not least Underworld and Sunley Smiles. The selection is more experienced than most and sets a reasonable standard having made the frame behind Kal Barg and Copywriter last season. He ran another respectable race at Kempton last month but he did hang a little in the closing stages which has to be a cause for concern. Underworld is a 155,000 gns purchase from a powerful yard whose newcomers must always be respected. Strong market support for this debutant would have to be taken seriously. There should be more to come from Sunley Smiles who has shaped with promise on both starts over 6 furlongs and she's bred to appreciate this longer trip. The market should help guide to what's expected from the runners from the other big yards but Tension Mounts is the form horse and that's good enough for us at this stage.
Running Supreme 33-1 (9-7) Always behind, last of 7, 14l behind Moon Bound (8-10) at Lingfield 6f mdn aut stk (5) pol in Jan.
Agglestone Rock 15-2 (8-2) Pressed leader, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra and weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 6l behind Hucking Hero (8-11) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn auc (5) pol in Oct.
Baunagain (IRE) 66-1 (9-3) Dwelt and went left start, behind never on terms, 8th of 12, 10l behind Ancien Regime (9-3) at Yarmouth 6f 2yo mdn (5) gs in Aug.
Brave Hawk 6-1 (9-3) Prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 8, 11l behind Throne of Power (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 3yo mdn (5) pol.
Cape Colony 50-1 (9-3) Always towards rear, last of 8, 15l behind Emmrooz (9-3) at Goodwood 1m 2yo mdn (4) gf in Sept.
Ruby Delta 8-1 (9-3) Chased leaders on rail, hanging left throughout, weakened and eased final 2f, last of 15, 28l behind Clifton Dancer (9-1) at Lingfield 7f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Sept.
South Wales 66-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, in rear, ridden halfway, weakened well over 2f out, last of 8, 11l behind Garden Party (9-13) at Lingfield 1m mdn stk (5) pol in Jan.
Tension Mounts (IRE) 7-2 (8-9) Tracked leaders, effort 2f out, soon hung left, driven and led over 1f out, no extra when headed well inside final furlong, 2nd of 14, 1l behind Baron's Court (8-9) at Kempton 7f mdn stk (5) pol in Jan.
Underworld Cadeaux Genereux gelding out of winning miler Mythic.
Sunley Smiles 14-1 (8-6) Held up, ridden 2f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 10, 7l behind Silver Guest (8-11) at Lingfield 6f mdn stk (5) pol.
Mary Dunsmore Mujahid filly, half-sister to 7f winner Red Rudy.
Jal Music 11-2 (8-5) Prominent, every chance over 1f out, soon one pace, 2nd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Little Wing (8-10) at Southwell 7f mdn stk (5) fbs.
