in touch far side, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, kept on well
tracked leaders far side, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong
chased leaders stands side, ridden over 2f out, led stands side group over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, no chance with far side group
mid-division stands side group, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, always towards rear stands side group
led stands side group, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
mid-division stands side group, weakened over 1f out
always behind far side group
in touch far side group, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
held up stands side group, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong
chased leaders stands side group, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
always behind stands side group
tracked leaders far side group, ridden over 2f out, weakened entering final furlong
behind stands side group, ridden over 2f out, some headway over 1f out, never dangerous
behind far side group, weakened final 2f
led overall far side group, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
A tough race to call here for punters with plenty in with chances on their best form but the principals look to be Rochdale,Antica,Bentong and North Walk and the tentative vote is given to Antica. The selection won well last time out when beating Pretallini under similar conditions.He enters handicaps off what looks a fair mark and under conditions that suit and with the booking of Darryll Holland Catching the eye he looks the value bet in an open affair. Rochdale rates the main danger on his latest fourth behind Surely Truly but all his best efforts have come on a faster surface and with his yard yet to hit top form he looks wort taking on. Bentong has won his only race to date beating Flying Rani in good style. However he appears to have enough weight on his first run in a handicap and although he could improve he looks vulnerable to more experienced rivals. North Walk is another that could go well on his latest third behind Desert D'Argent but his best form is over further and he is passed over on this occasion. Of the remainder The History Man is from a shrewd in form yard and is another to note in the market but in a race where few can be ruled out and where stakes should be kept to a minimum for the winner we return to Antica.
Antica (IRE) 5-6fav (8-0) Held up towards rear, good headway on inside to lead over 1f out, soon clear, easily, won at Warwick 6f 2yo mdn aut (7) gd in Oct beating Prettilini (7-13) by 5l, 13 ran.
Bentong (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) Prominent, led over 2f out, clear over 1f out, easily, won at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Dec beating Flying Rani (8-9) by 3 1/2l, 12 ran.
North Walk (IRE) 5-1fav (8-12) Held up, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Desert d'Argent (8-6) at Doncaster 7f 2yo hcp 0-95 (2) hvy in Oct.
Surely Truly (IRE) 8-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, headway 2f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, 3/4l behind Scarlet Knight (9-5) at Lingfield 6f nov stk (4) pol in Oct.
Rochdale 11-2 (9-7) In touch, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 3l behind Surely Truly (9-0) at Ripon 6f 2yo hcp (4) gf in Aug.
Mango Music 7-2 (8-12) Tracked leaders going well, ridden to lead well over 1f out, pushed clear final furlong, readily, won at Folkestone 6f 3yo mdn aut (5) sft in Mar beating Cloud Atlas (9-3) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.
The History Man (IRE) 8-1 (9-6) Chased leader, ridden to lead over 2f out, kept on under pressure, won at Ayr 6f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) hvy in Oct beating Taras Tornado (7-13) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Suits Me 9-2 (9-0) Chased leaders in 3rd, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 6th of 7, 27l behind Trans Sonic (9-3) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (4) pol.
