led for 1f, prominent, challenged over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace
in touch, led 6f out, every chance over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden 4f out, soon weakened
held up, headway 6f out, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
towards rear, ridden and headway 5f out, challenged 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on well
mid-division, hampered and lost place on bend after 5f, ridden 3f out, stayed on from 2f out
prominent, led after 1f to 6f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out
held up last, headway 5f out, ridden and led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra
prominent, ridden 4f out, weakened 3f out
held up, headway 5f out, every chance 3f out, ridden 2f out, not quicken
in touch, ridden and effort over 3f out, weakened 2f out
A step back up in trip will suit WHISTLEJACQUET and Alan King's gelding gets the vote here over Alfie Spinner and Play On Words. The gelding drops in class today having been tried in a Listed race last time at Cheltenham. That was in a Junior race over twelve furlongs and whilst this will be different against older rivals, the feeling is that the step up to two miles will see further improvement and a return to the winners¿ enclosure. Alfie Spinner is a fairly well-related newcomer and he represents a yard who have had success with debutants before, whilst More Than That (unspectacular pedigree but related to flat winners) and Russian Song (half-brother to dual bumper winner Jokers Legacy) are two other newcomers to consider. Play On Words is likely to be very popular in the betting. He represents top connections and was well-fancied on his debut at Bangor. The winner Youngstown has gone on to good things since and the gelding needs a lot of respect. Strong Saddler needs to improve but he was another who was well-touted before his debut at Ascot. That was a hot race and he wasn't disgraced in midfield, however we will stick with Whistlejacquet to lead them home.
John's Gift Kadastrof gelding out of Connaught's Pride.
Merry Terry Terimon gelding out of In Memoriam.
More Than That (IRE) Tamayaz gelding out of Gymcrak Firebird.
Play On Words (FR) 7-4fav (11-4) Mid-division, headway to chase winner 5f out, hung left 2f out, rider dropped whip entering final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Youngstown (11-4) at Bangor 2m 1f nhf (5) sft in Feb.
Roman Conquest Roi de Rome gelding out of Kellys Conquest.
Russian Song (IRE) Moscow Society gelding out of Sweet Charm.
Strong Saddler (IRE) 4-1co-fav (11-0) In touch, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 14, 18l behind Red Harbour (11-0) at Ascot 2m nhf (4) gd in Nov.
Whistlejacquet 13-2 (11-2) Held up in rear, headway from 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 2nd near finish, 2nd of 15, 3l behind Cill Rialaig (10-9) at Cheltenham 1m 4f 4yo nhf (1) gs.
Jovial Goldenbelle 100-1 (10-4) In touch, ridden 5f out, soon weakened, 14th of 17, well behind Jau (11-2) at Wincanton 2m nhf (5) gs in Dec.
Miss Totnes Bandmaster filly out of Kingston Black.
Alfie Spinner (IRE) Alflora gelding out of Little Red Spider.
Parisien (FR) Kadalko gelding out of Decibelle II.
