in touch, ridden and effort 2f out, chased clear winner over 1f out, soon no chance with winner, kept on one pace
in touch until weakened over 2f out
mid division, no headway 2f out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden over 2f out, not paced to challenge, stayed on same pace
behind, good headway over 2f out, quick into lead over 1f out, soon clear, pushed out easily
tracked the leader, ridden and effort 2f out, not quicken, weakened over 1f out
towards rear, headway 2f out, kept on final furlong, nearest finish
always behind
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, no chance with winner and lost 2nd over 1f out
tracked leaders, weakened 2f out, never dangerous
behind mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
tracked leader on outside, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, soon weakened
held up in rear, headway from 2f out, kept on, never near leaders
towards rear, good headway over 2f out, stayed on to take 2nd final furlong, no chance with winner
KING OF THE BEERS looks capable of going one better and can get the better of Too Grand and Running Buck in the process. The selection is well handicapped on the best of his form and showed the first signs for some time that he might be able to take advantage of his current rating. He ran on well over course and distance to narrowly go down to a similarly well handicapped rival who was gambled on and can gain swift compensation. Too Grand has a low draw to overcome but she has run some of the best races of her career at this track and could reward each-way support. Of more interest is the long absent Running Buck who returns to action on a fair mark. He showed some ability for his previous connections and has his first run for a shrewd yard that is capable of having him ready. The market can guide to his chances so keep an eye on the betting but King Of The Beers is the one to beat.
Ocean Pride (IRE) 25-1 (8-7) Pushed along, outpaced, never dangerous, 6th of 9, 8l behind Came Back (9-3) at Southwell 6f clm (6) fbs in Feb.
Kassuta 20-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, driven and soon weakened, 11th of 12, 32l behind Well Informed (8-9) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-95 (6) pol in Oct.
Pop Music (IRE) 12-1 (8-13) Close up, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 5th of 12, 4 1/2l behind General Feeling (9-0) at Lingfield 1m hcp (6) pol in Nov.
King of The Beers (USA) 7-1 (8-5) Prominent early, lost place and behind after 1 furlong, headway 2f out, ran on to chase winner well inside final furlong, gaining towards finish, 2nd of 13, 1/2l behind Copper King (8-12) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Nov.
Double Valentine 20-1 (8-13) In touch until weakened quickly over 2f out, last of 13, 9l behind Piccolo Diamante (8-13) at Kempton 7f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Running Buck (USA) 22-1 (7-9) Started slowly, in rear, headway 2f out, stayed on nearest finish, 6th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Mistress Cooper (8-10) at Sandown 5f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Sept '07.
Buck Cannon (IRE) 66-1 (9-3) Took keen hold with leader, ridden after 2f, lost 2nd over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 10, 25l behind Khateeb (9-3) at Kempton 1m 3yo mdn (4) pol in May.
Too Grand 16-1 (8-13) In rear, ridden halfway, driven over 2f out, never near leaders, 8th of 12, 8l behind General Feeling (9-0) at Lingfield 1m hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Wooden King (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Raced keenly behind, ridden over 2f out, soon struggling, never dangerous, 10th of 13, 5l behind Piccolo Diamante (8-13) at Kempton 7f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Alabama Spirit (USA) 33-1 (8-11) Always towards rear, ridden halfway, never dangerous, 11th of 13, 15l behind Mrs Bun (8-9) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Nov.
Balerno 28-1 (8-13) Held up, never dangerous, 7th of 9, 12l behind Darley Star (8-6) at Great Leighs 1m 2f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Beck 18-1 (8-7) Prominent, chased leader 6f out, led 3f out, headed 1f out, weakened quickly, 7th of 11, 12l behind Wakita (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Oct.
Frosty's Gift 16-1 (8-13) Mid-division until weakened over 2f out, 12th of 14, 16l behind The Grey One (8-5) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Oct.
Bye Baby Bunting 20-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, hung left over 1f out, soon weakened, 9th of 12, 10l behind River Kirov (8-12) at Kempton 6f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
