led until headed over 2f out, soon weakened
always towards rear, never dangerous
prominent, chased leader 2f out, ridden and no impression from over 1f out
in touch, ridden to challenge over 1f out, led just over 1f out, driven out
tracked leaders to over 2f out, gradually weakened
slowly into stride, settled in rear, headway on inner final 2f, ran on, nearest finish
tracked leader, led over 2f out to just over 1f out, one pace after
held up mid-division, ridden halfway, still in touch 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out
held up and behind, ridden 3f out, no impression on leaders final 2f
started slowly, soon in mid-division, headway 2f out, stayed on to chase winner final furlong, always held
settled towards rear, plenty to do inside final 2f, finished well final furlong, nearest finish
In an interesting and tricky affair, we will side with Northern Desert ahead of Night Air, Ali Bruce and, possibly, Folio. Let's start with Night Air. He looked progressive when scoring over seven furlongs at Wolverhampton last time and, despite being raised four pounds for that effort, can go well again from his good draw. Crafty Fancy's second over course and distance last time from a pound lower mark, puts her firmly in the mix, while Folio has been dropped a pound for his latest run, where he showed promise despite meeting trouble in running. From that race, he is now four pounds better off for the two lengths he finished behind Northern Desert, who reopposes today. Bear in mind that the winner only does enough really, so should be capable of further improvement, and the fact that Ali Bruce, who he beat a neck on that occasion, is now a pound better off at today's weights, although he is not so well drawn today. Furthermore, Gaelic Princess was three-parts of a length behind Ali Bruce in the same race and is now two pounds better off with that runner. Much as Cape St Vincent is four pounds better off for the neck and head he finished behind Northern Desert here over seven furlongs on January 5, Northern Desert might still remain the better option. Also, Les Arcs, who wears a first-time eyeshield today, is four pounds better off for the length-and-three-quarters he finished behind Night Air at Wolverhampton last time. After all of this, you can see why we say we are dealing with an interesting affair here, one in which we take the view that Northern Desert could be the one to be on.
