chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
slowly into stride, behind, some headway over 1f out
chased leaders, led well over 2f out, hung badly right to stands side rail 2f out, kept narrow advantage throughout final furlong, all out
started slowly, soon driven along in rear, some headway over 1f out
always behind
mid-division, pushed along on inner 3f out, headway over 1f out, kept on, one pace inside final furlong
led until well over 2f out, prominent until weakened entering final furlong
behind, ridden 4f out, headway well over 1f out, one pace final furlong
raced wide, chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace
soon ridden in rear, never a factor
dwelt, soon in touch, chased leaders over 4f out, challenged 2f out, disputing lead throughout final furlong, just failed
started slowly, soon racing wide in mid-division, ran wide straight, chased leaders 2f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong
raced wide, always in rear, tailed off halfway
prominent on inner, raced alone on far rail straight, weakened and behind final 2f
GRANAKEY has registered all three of her career successes here and perhaps the mare can make it four, with Davana and Doctor Of Music put forward as the pair most likely to pose a threat. Ian Williams' charge is down to a career low mark of 47, owing largely to a pair of below-par efforts towards the end of 2009. However, both of those came elsewhere over trips shorter than ideal and a third placed effort over a mile at Kempton last time should have the horse spot on for this race, one which he is confidently expected to land. That confidence is increased by the lack of strength in opposition, but at least Davana brings solid recent efforts to the table. The last of them was a distant third over course and distance last time, but although well held on that occasion it was her second try on Fibresand and she's been involved in the finish both times. In contrast, Doctor Of Music makes his debut here having shown very little in five starts to date. However, his mark of 50 leaves in-form handler Brian Smart with something to work on and he's bred to be a little better than these, so must be given a chance given his unexposed profile. Viking Awake is a modest 12-start maiden who also makes his debut here, but he's down a pound for fourth at Wolverhampton last time and could go well if adapting to this slightly different test. Amber Moon won here off 2lbs higher last March so must have good prospects of filling a place, she's preferred to Royal Crest who has also won here but that was over six furlongs in a particularly weak maiden and he's not looked up to scoring off this mark since. Jenny's Pride is dropping down the weights and seems to act on the surface but she was well beaten in a similar event last time, whilst Miss Xu Xia was beaten in a seller last time but could go well here given that she handles the track and seems to stay a mile. This isn't a strong contest, but Granakey looks to have been primed to win it and is selected accordingly.
Miss Xu Xia 16-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, ridden and headway 3f out, no impression final 2f, 5th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Madison Belle (8-6) at Southwell 7f sell stks (6) fbs in Jan.
Royal Crest 14-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden to chase leaders 2f out, kept on final furlong, 5th of 13, 7l behind Dontuwishitwereso (8-6) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Jan.
Isitcozimcool (IRE) 20-1 (9-7) Always towards rear, never troubled leaders, 8th of 13, 8l behind Imperial House (9-0) at Redcar 6f mdn stks (5) gf in Jun.
Doctor Of Music (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Towards rear, soon pushed along, behind final 3f, 10th of 13, 14l behind Hi Spec (8-13) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-50 (7) pol.
Reigning In Rio (IRE) 8-1 (8-3) Led until 3f out, stayed on same pace final 2f, 3rd of 12, 8l behind Postman (9-0) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Apr.
Amber Moon 33-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 5th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Lyrical Intent (9-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (7) pol in Jan.
Viking Awake (IRE) 8-1 (8-10) In touch, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 12, 1 3/4l behind Lyrical Intent (9-2) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (7) pol in Jan.
Unconsoled 16-1 (8-8) Chased winner until 2f out, ridden and weakened final furlong, 7th of 14, 8l behind Jonnie Skull (9-3) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec.
Jenny's Pride (IRE) 11-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, no impression approaching final furlong, 8th of 13, 10l behind Camerooney (8-4) at Southwell 1m hcp (0-55) (6) fbs in Jan.
Davana 16-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, outpaced halfway, headway to go remote 3rd 2f out, 3rd of 9, 13l behind Reverend Green (9-12) at Southwell 1m mdn auc stks (6) fbs in Jan.
Granakey (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) Prominent, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 13, 3 1/2l behind Hi Spec (8-13) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-50 (7) pol.
Bansha (IRE) 5-1 (10-2) Held up in touch, weakened over 4f out, 7th of 12, 12l behind Jackie Kiely (10-10) at Southwell 1m 3f am hcp 0-55 (6) fbs.
Komreyev Star 66-1 (8-5) Led 1f, chased leader until ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 12, 7l behind Topcroft (8-11) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec.
Elevate Bobbob 250-1 (8-9) Dwelt, keen, soon in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 13, 13l behind King of Rhythm (9-0) at Southwell 7f stks 0-55 (6) fbs in Dec.
