led early, prominent, led 2f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
took keen hold, chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
prominent, every chance over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
chased leaders on outside, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
tracked leaders, led 3f out, headed 2f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
held up behind leaders, switched left and effort over 2f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, no impression on winner
held up in rear, headway and switched right over 2f out, led over 1f out, clear inside final furlong, ran on well
soon led, headed 3f out, lost place over 2f out
Most can be given a chance in an open contest. Battle Of Wills has been raised 6lb for winning over a mile at Newcastle in December and Minnelli only won a maiden over 7f at Wolverhampton last year. Holy Kingdom went close at Lingfield in January while Sezim and Copal were both placed on the all-weather in November and go handicapping for the first time along with AMJAADY. The latter was surrounded by subsequent winners when third at Wolverhampton at the end of last season and Owen Burrows’ charge may prove good enough on his reappearance on the strength of that form. Mary Somerville disappointed on last month’s handicap debut but it’s too soon to write off the Gosden filly as she steps up in trip.
Battle Of Wills (IRE) 8-11fav (9-7) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on, won at Newcastle 1m (5) pol in Dec beating Curfewed (9-7) by 3/4l, 6 ran.
Copal 9-4jfav (9-2) Chased leaders, stayed on inside final furlong, went 2nd last strides, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Great Bear (9-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f stks (5) pol in Nov.
Sezim 10-3fav (9-2) Led early, tracked leaders, not clear run over 2f out, led inside final furlong, soon headed, no impression on winner towards finish, 2nd of 13, 3l behind Clematis (8-11) at Kempton 1m stks (5) pol in Nov.
Amjaady (USA) 16-1 (9-2) With leader, driven to lead inside final 2f, ridden and headed inside final 100 yards, no extra, 3rd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Mackaar (9-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f stks (5) pol in Nov.
Mary Somerville 9-2 (9-9) Slowly into stride, held up, never dangerous, 7th of 11, 12l behind I'm Available (9-6) at Nottingham 1m hcp fll (5) gs in Apr.
Holy Kingdom (IRE) 5-2 (9-2) Always close up on inside, pushed along over 2f out, hard ridden and sustained challenge final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 10, shd behind Gold Bere (8-13) at Lingfield 1m stks (6) pol in Jan.
Arctic Fox 14-1 (9-4) Keen, held up, headway over 2f out, no impression, 6th of 11, 10 1/4l behind I'm Available (9-6) at Nottingham 1m hcp fll (5) gs in Apr.
Minnelli 8-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, sent forward to lead over 4f out, headed over 1f out, soon rallied, led again inside final furlong, ran on, won at Wolverhampton 7f mdn fll stks (5) pol in Sep beating Emily's Sea (8-8) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
