tracked leaders, took keen hold, led over 8f out, ridden and headed 2f out, edged left over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up, headway over 3f out, led 2f out, soon headed, weakened inside final furlong
steadied start, held up in rear, headway over 3f out, led well over 1f out, ran on well
led early, chased leader until over 9f out, remained prominent, stayed on same pace from over 1f out
soon led, headed well over 8f out, chased leader until over 4f out, dropped rear over 2f out, no room on inside just over 1f out, soon switched right, no impression
held up, headway 2f out, ridden and hung left over 1f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong but no impression
ROCK 'N' ROLLER is a tenative selection in an open race where Paktolos and Just Rob are interesting alternatives. The selection has plenty to prove, not only in terms of form and wellbeing but also on this surface as he has his first run on the polytrack. However, this is his Flat debut for this yard following some disappointing efforts over hurdles. He's well enough handicapped on the pick of his efforts and it would be no surprise to see his new yard pick up a few races with him this winter. Paktolos enjoyed a degree of success for Alan King and has shown good form for his current yard. He's been raised by a couple of pounds for his latest run though and needs things to drop right for him so he may not be benefit if this becomes tactical. Amanda Carter has been in good form over hurdles and is worth bearing in mind if the market emits the right vibes as is Just Rob who returns from an absence at a time when his yard is going well. Bushy Dell and Calculating are on fair marks but the suspicion is that they may find this too competitive so we'll take a chance with Rock 'N' Roller in the hope that he can show improved form for a change of scenery.
Amanda Carter 16-1 (8-11) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 15, 9l behind Hunterview (8-7) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Oct.
Just Rob 9-2 (8-13) Held up, headway over 2f out, soon not much room, stayed on inside final furlong to lead post, won at Chester 1m 2f 3yo hcp (4) sft in Aug '08 beating Eton Fable (8-6) by ns, 9 ran.
Paktolos (FR) 6-1 (9-0) Behind, headway from halfway, chased leaders over 4f out, ridden to challenge over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Tripitaka (9-3) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Rock 'n' Roller (FR) 6-1 (9-13) Held up, always rear, 13th of 16, 21l behind Kokkokila (9-0) at Newbury 2m hcap (5) gs in Oct '08.
Bushy Dell (IRE) 40-1 (8-11) Led 1f, pressed leader, led over 3f out, headed well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 11, 8l behind Clear Reef (10-0) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Dec.
Calculating (IRE) 13-2 (9-4) Held up in touch, challenged over 2f out, led over 1f out, soon headed, not quicken inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Leyte Gulf (9-6) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.
