reared start, mid-division, headway to lead well over 1f out, soon clear, eased well inside final furlong, easily
tracked leader, ridden to lead 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon weakened
led until headed 3f out, weakened rapidly over 2f out
started slowly, always rear, never dangerous
held up towards rear, headway on outer over 3f out, soon ridden, no impression and weakened over 1f out
prominent, led over 2f out to well over 1f out, one pace afterwards
started slowly, settled towards rear, hard ridden over 2f out, never dangerous
in touch, headway over 1f out, no chance with winner when went 2nd inside final furlong and lost 2nd final strides
mid-division, under pressure over 2f out, no progress and weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden and lost pace quickly 4f out, soon well behind
held up, ridden to chase leaders 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f
held up, headway 2f out, stayed on from over 1f out, not trouble leaders
behind, ridden and plenty to do over 2f out, headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong to take 2nd final strides, no chance with winner
in rear, some headway inside final 2f, never nearer
Dual course winner Eccollo is fancied to extend his winning sequence at the expense of main rivals Bold Phoenix and Siena Star. The selection is turned out quickly by his in-form trainer Tim Pitt and so only incurs a six pound penalty for his facile success at the course last time out. He should have no problem with the two extra furlongs today and should go very close to completing a quick four-timer. The main danger could be the Barney Curley-trained Bold Phoenix who could present a very live threat if fancied by his punting stable. He has disappointed on his last two outings, and whilst the ten furlong trip today may be stretching his stamina, he could go well. Siena Star has been running consistently over this and slightly longer trips and so he should be there at the finish, although he could be found out by the selection's finishing kick. Of the rest, Asateel was running admirably back in May before two vile efforts in October, but he could be a danger if reproducing his best form, although his brief all-weather form gives little hope of that. Accordingly then, for the winner we return to Eccollo who is thriving for his in-form stable.
Eccollo (IRE) 8-13fav (9-6) In touch, ridden over 2f out, led well over 1f out, soon clear, ridden out easily, won at Kempton 1m hcp 0-60 (6) pol beating Jomus (9-1) by 5l, 14 ran.
Asaateel (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) With leaders, weakened over 2f out, 16th of 17, 36l behind Dium Mac (9-6) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Oct.
Persona (IRE) 9-1 (9-6) Led, ridden, headed 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 15, 8l behind Ego Trip (9-8) at Catterick 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) sft in Oct.
Siena Star (IRE) 14-1 (9-4) In touch, ridden 3f out, stayed on same pace final 2f, 4th of 13, 3l behind Alekhine (9-7) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Swindon (USA) 9-1 (9-9) Held up in touch, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 12, 31l behind Rehearsed (8-4) at Salisbury 1m 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Jul.
Sarwin (USA) 12-1 (8-6) Pulled hard, held up in rear, came wide into straight, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 13, 6l behind Alekhine (9-7) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Bold Phoenix (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Mid-division, driven along and beaten over 2f out, 10th of 12, 8l behind Magic Warrior (9-2) at Kempton 1m hcap (6) pol.
Bronze Star 15-8fav (8-12) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, beaten when short of room over 1f out, soon eased, 9th of 11, 9l behind Dab Hand (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) pol in Oct.
