tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd over 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on well
in rear, went 3rd over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace
tracked leader, led over 9f out, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra towards
led, headed over 9f out, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
Gatewood failed to get his head in front last season, though he went very close on more than one occasion including over 1m2f at this track. CONDUCT has been hard to keep right but ended last year on a high note with a five length victory over track and trip in the November Handicap. It's unlikely we'll see him handicapping again off his new mark but Willie Haggas' charge looks the one to beat on today's terms. Area Fifty One has gone well fresh before but has yet to win in soft ground while both Chancery and Romantic Settings have a stiff task at the weights in this company.
Area Fifty One 16-1 (9-0) Led 2f, remained prominent, every chance from over 2f out, no extra closing stages, 2nd of 13, 4l behind Seussical (9-0) at York 1m 2f (2) gd in Oct.
Chancery (USA) 10-1 (9-11) Tracked leaders on outside, challenged 3f out, led over 2f out, headed 1f out, no extra final 100 yards, 11th of 18, 4 1/2l behind Lahaag (9-9) at York 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Oct.
Gatewood 5-4fav (9-3) Keen headway on outer to track leaders 8f out, tracked winner 3f out, ridden and every chance inside final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Dick Doughtywylie (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f Listed stks (1) pol in Dec.
Romantic Settings 14-1 (8-10) Held up in rear, headway over 2f out, hard ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, stayed on well towards finish, never nearer, 5th of 17, 5l behind Miss Cap Estel (9-0) at Doncaster 1m 2f fll lst stks (1) sft in Nov.
Conduct (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Close up on outer, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden clear, comfortable, won at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp (2) sft in Nov beating Rio's Rosanna (8-0) by 5l, 23 ran.
