behind, headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
tracked winner until well inside final furlong no extra
behind, never dangerous
tracked leaders, ridden 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on to chase winners well inside final furlong, always held
made all, stayed on well
held up, headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
tracked leaders, weakened final furlong
LITHAAM has been creeping up the ratings without winning of late, but he can usually be relied upon to run a solid race and so gets our vote from Littlemisssunshine and Lord Of The Reins. Milton Bradley's gelding has been second the last twice, both by narrow margins, but with able Ryan Clark up once more we're hopeful this five furlong specialist can gain a deserved victory. Littlemisssunshine is also consistent and he's only 3lbs higher than when winning in the summer. A couple of solid placed efforts have followed this winter, so this daughter of Oasis Dream can be expected to run well once more from a good draw. Lord Of The Reins beat our selection when they last met and actually races off better terms today, so plenty will give this one a chance although he has to put a disappointing run behind him and on that most recent form he looks opposable. Fantasy Fighter is a strong travelling sort and so, despite the fact both his wins in November came over six furlongs, he should still go close here. The fact that all of his career wins have come over six does have to be considered though and so he makes little appeal as a win proposition. Chjimes is becoming temptingly handicapped but his best form is at Lingfield, so more of a threat may come from Fromsong who remains capable at the ripe old age of 12. Thoughtsofstardom needs to bounce back after two poor runs as does Bookiesindex Boy, so The Wee Chief is of slightly more appeal although we think this will go to Milton Bradley's Lithaam, who deserves a change of luck.
Lord of The Reins (IRE) 5-1 (8-13) Held up towards rear, ridden over 1f out, no real headway, never dangerous, 7th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Excellent Show (9-3) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Chjimes (IRE) 16-1 (8-13) Mid-division, ridden final furlong, kept on well final 100 yards, not reach leaders, 5th of 8, 1 1/2l behind Excellent Show (9-3) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Lithaam (IRE) 5-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead narrowly just inside final furlong, headed towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Fromsong (8-9) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
The Wee Chief (IRE) 4-1 (9-3) Pressed leader, challenged and every chance 2f out, hard ridden over 1f out, weakened rapidly, last of 11, 10l behind Absa Lutte (9-3) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
Littlemisssunshine (IRE) 5-1 (8-6) In touch, ridden and tried to challenge entering final furlong, unable to quicken final 100 yards, 4th of 8, 1l behind Excellent Show (9-3) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Fromsong (IRE) 3-1fav (9-4) Started very slowly, behind, headway over 1f out, soon every chance, edged right, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 7, 2 3/4l behind Raimond Ridge (8-7) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Thoughtsofstardom 9-2 (9-1) Chased leaders, weakened well over 1f out, last of 7, 7l behind Silver Prelude (9-0) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Fantasy Fighter (IRE) 9-2 (8-4) Slowly into stride, held up, switched right to outside well over 1f out, good headway soon after, stayed on to dispute lead and every chance inside final furlong, not quicken final 50 yards, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Sarah's Art (9-2) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Especially Special (IRE) 50-1 (8-10) Held up, headway to track leaders halfway, ridden and weakened over 1f out, last of 9, 7l behind Thoughtsofstardom (8-7) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
Bookiesindex Boy 12-1 (8-9) Towards rear, never on terms, 9th of 10, 9l behind Lord Of The Reins (8-11) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
