in touch, effort over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten
held up towards rear, headway from 3f out, stayed on well to lead final 50 yards, caught close home
never better than mid-division
mid-division, headway 4f out, effort 3f out, soon weakened
mid-division, headway 4f out, ridden 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong
towards rear, ridden over 3f out, headway from 2f out, stayed on strongly inside final furlong, led near finish
mid-division until weakened over 2f out
mid-division, ridden and headway 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f
led, hard pressed from 2f out, headed inside final furlong, led again final 75 yards, headed near finish
in touch, hard ridden over 2f out, led briefly inside final furlong, no extra final 75 yards
close up, effort 3f out, gradually faded
As is standard, the betting should provide the major clues but without that information we will side with Inthejungle, with Procas De Thaix and Lit Up looking like two other likely newcomers. Mistress To No One was a fair second in a 'mares only' contest last month after getting worked up beforehand, so she must have claims especially receiving weight. However, there are some interesting newcomers, not least Thierry Doumen's Inthejungle. He looks to be the potential class-act in the field, and wouldn't be coming across here for just a canter. Procas De Thaix represents an in-form stable who do very well in these contests so must be respected, whilst Lit Up is a half-brother to some useful flat performers so could have the flat speed for this intriguing contest. Waldenstroem's stable has had plenty of success in bumpers this season, especially with the boss riding them, so he must warrant respect, however we will side with Inthejungle to land the spoils in what promises to be a very informative race.
Alfie Boe Shambo gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Dip Anchor Slip Anchor gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Inthejungle (IRE) Bob Back gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Jethro Wheeler Marju colt, half-brother to 7f winner Sociando.
Joshuas Vista M'Bebe gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Just A Thought (IRE) Orpen gelding, half-brother to 5f-7f winner Marshman & 5f winner Bod Fox White.
Lit Up (IRE) Fantastic Light gelding, half-brother to numerous winners up to 1m4f including the smart performers Amfortas & Legend Maker.
Lockerley Man 6-1 (10-12) Held up, headway 4f out, hung left and no further impression from 2f out, 6th of 13, 21l behind Zahra's Place (10-2) at Fontwell 1m 6f nhf (6) gs in Nov.
Pop (FR) Cricket Ball gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Obelo.
Procas de Thaix (FR) Ragmar gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Najca De Thaix.
Sandalphon (USA) King Cugat gelding, half-brother to 7f & 1m1f winner Troublesome.
Silberhorn Express Silver Patriarch gelding out of winning hurdler Lotschberg Express.
Sir Harry Ormesher Sir Harry Lewis gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler De Tramuntana.
Waldenstroem (GER) Silver Patriarch gelding out of Weissglut.
Covert Mission Overbury filly out of Peg's Permission.
Marsh Fire Overbury filly out of a lightly-raced mare.
Mistress To No One 20-1 (10-12) Mid-division, good headway 3f out, led 2f out, soon ridden, headed close home, 2nd of 18, 1/2l behind Fiddling Again (10-12) at Newbury 1m 4f mrs nhf (5) sft in Dec.
