chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, kept on same pace from over 2f out
led, headed 5f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, weakened over 3f out
held up, headway over 4f out, challenged over 2f out, soon hung left, kept on inside final furlong
held up, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, stayed on from over 1f out
held up mid-division, lost place 5f out
held up and raced wide, weakened 4f out
held up, headway over 4f out, outpaced
chased leaders, lost place over 5f out
chased leaders, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
held up, headway over 4f out, led over 2f out, driven out, kept on well under pressure
held up and raced wide, weakened over 4f out
chased leaders, led 5f out, headed over 2f out, soon outpaced
held up, ridden over 3f out, stayed on strongly final furlong, nearest at finish
Par Avion sprung a surprise when winning at 66/1 on her debut and is not one to take lightly, however this looks a tougher race and preference is for LIGHTENING ROD over Doc Wells and Grand Zouki. The selection is stepped up in trip today having contested a junior bumper over a mile and a half last time out at Wetherby. He was backed into clear favourite there but could only manage a close third as he was very green in the closing stages. He is sure to have learnt plenty from the experience and Mick Easterby's charge can land his maiden success today. There are a whole host of interesting newcomers, including Hudibras (a half-brother to several winners including Edmo Yewkay), Grand Zouki (whose sales price has increased each time he has gone through the ring) and Peachey Moment (a half-brother to the useful bumper horse Theatrical Moment). Barry Geraghty catches the eye as he takes the ride on Paul Webber's Vivarini, whilst Doc Wells and Gaye Starlet have both shown ability on the racetrack. Par Avion still has a good weight on her back as a four-year-old filly despite her penalty for that Doncaster win, but it is Lightening Rod who strikes a chord.
Doc Wells (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 2f out, soon one pace, 3rd of 13, 5l behind Hunters Belt (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (5) gs in Jan.
Froggy Lane 25-1 (11-5) In rear, ridden 3f out, no impression, 7th of 11, 15l behind Dare Me (11-8) at Haydock 2m nhf (3) gs in Nov.
Gunpoint (IRE) Rainbow Quest gelding, half-brother to useful miler Needlecraft.
Hudibras (IRE) Bluebird gelding out of Mannequin.
Neltara Kayf Tara gelding, full brother to winning hurdler Felinious.
Rockall (IRE) 40-1 (11-4) Held up, always towards rear, 9th of 16, 33l behind Bishops Heir (10-7) at Newcastle 2m nhf (6) hvy in Jan.
Vivarini Hernando gelding, half-brother to numerous winners from 5f-1m.
Florarossa Alflora mare out of Bayrouge.
Gaye Starlet (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (10-9) Held up mid-division, ridden approaching 3f out, soon weakened, 10th of 14, 36l behind Moorlands Teri (10-2) at Bangor 2m 1f nhf (5) sft in Dec.
Be My Deputy (IRE) Oscar gelding out of Have A Myth.
Grand Zouki (FR) Garuda gelding out of Flaiha.
Lightening Rod 3-1fav (10-5) Mid-division, steady headway 4f out, challenged over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 3rd of 15, 3/4l behind Stopped Out (10-5) at Wetherby 1m 5f nhf (5) sft in Dec.
Par Avion 66-1 (10-5) Prominent, badly hampered over 4f out, switched left over 3f out, led over 2f out, edged right over 1f out, driven out, won at Doncaster 1m 5f 4yo nhf (5) sft in Jan beating Switched Off (10-5) by 1 1/2l, 20 ran.
Peachey Moment (USA) Stormin Fever gelding out of Given Moment.
Rollwiththepunches Hernando gelding out of Zarma.
Zero Six Zoo (IRE) 11-2 (10-13) Prominent, reminders halfway, driven and weakened over 3f out, 9th of 16, 32l behind Shut The Bar (10-0) at Catterick 2m mdn nhf (6) gs in Jan.
