always behind
held up, ridden over 2f out, no impression
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway to challenge over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
tracked leaders, every chance over 2f out, soon ridden and one pace
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
made all, ridden over 2f out, driven out
slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden over 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, soon one pace
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway to challenge winner over 1f out, soon one pace
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace
Spinning comes here in top form but arguably better over seven furlongs, we are inclined to take David Barron's charge on and instead side with Crocodile Bay ahead of Emerald Bay and Monsoon Wedding. The selection returns to the mile trip this afternoon which looks sure to suit and he should also appreciate the better ground that he will encounter this afternoon. Whilst he continues to edge up the weights, his last run suggests that he is still on a decent mark and so we will take him to score. Emerald Bay warrants respect as a course and distance winner but he doesn't tend to win as often as he should. Ansells Pride is unexposed after just four runs and it must be assumed that better can be expected on this firmer ground. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him over hurdles shortly. Esoterica is capable but looks high enough in the weights, whilst Milliegait has ability and continues to slowly edge down the weights. All in all this looks a fairly tricky puzzle to solve, however the tentative vote is given to Crocodile Bay.
Neardown Beauty (IRE) 12-1 (9-10) Dwelt, always behind, last of 13, 7l behind Kasumi (9-4) at Brighton 1m hcp 0-80 (4) frm in Aug.
Boundless Prospect (USA) 13-2 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 7, 7l behind Suits Me (9-4) at Ayr 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) hvy.
Crocodile Bay (IRE) 5-1fav (9-1) Held up, headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Bel Cantor (8-11) at Catterick 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Oct.
Emerald Bay (IRE) 12-1 (8-10) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Smokey Oakey (9-3) at Ayr 1m hcp 0-90 (3) hvy.
Milliegait 66-1 (8-6) Took keen hold behind leader, led briefly well over 1f out, headed when no extra final furlong, 7th of 13, 6l behind Milne Graden (8-11) at Doncaster 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Monsoon Wedding 13-2 (9-6) Chased leader, lost place over 2f out, soon weakened, 14th of 16, 29l behind Dark Energy (9-1) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Oct.
Ansells Pride (IRE) 28-1 (8-9) Always behind, last of 13, 26l behind Vicious Warrior (9-8) at Ayr 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Oct.
Spinning 17-2 (8-13) Slowly into stride, behind, headway over 2f out, led inside final furlong, kept on well, won at Ayr 7f hcp 0-70 (5) sft in Oct beating Obe Royal (8-10) by 3l, 14 ran.
Esoterica (IRE) 8-1 (8-7) Behind, ridden and headway 2f out, edged left and kept on well final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 14, 2l behind Nuit Sombre (9-3) at Catterick 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gf.
Neil's Legacy (IRE) 6-1 (9-0) Led for 2f, chased leader, led again over 3f out, soon ridden, headed over 1f out, no extra, 3rd of 9, 6l behind Mugeba (8-7) at Ayr 7f fll hcp (5) hvy.
