tracked leaders, short of room and checked approaching 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, not reach leaders
steadied start and lost several lengths, pulled hard in rear, headway on inside 2f out, stayed on nearest finish
towards rear, no headway from over 2f out, never dangerous
behind, good headway on inside 2f out, every chance 1f out, kept on, just outpaced by winner
led until headed 2f out, gradually weakened
took keen hold in touch, ridden to lead 2f out, headed just over 1f out, no extra and weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon lost place and in rear well over 2f out
took keen hold behind, stayed on from over 1f out, nearest finish
in touch, effort when hampered and checked just over 1f out, not recover
tracked leader to over 2f out, soon weakened
always towards rear and weakened over 2f out
mid-division, good headway to lead just over 1f out, quickened and ran on well, driven out
Convallaria is the selection but Perfect Practice will be fancied to defy her penalty whilst Napoletano should also be thereabouts once again. Besides that trio, cases can also be made for Over To You Bert, Dancing Duo and Takaamul as well with the last two promising to be suited by this longer trip but Geoff Wragg's mare gets the vote. She struggled to make an impact earlier in her career but connections fitted a tonguetie and she has posted improved performances the last twice. Both runs were over 7 furlongs at Lingfield but this track and trip should suit and she's given another chance. Perfect Practice and Napoletano appeal as the two biggest threats to the selection but the latter looks held by the handicapper whilst the former benefited from a fine ride last time and may not find life so easy here. Therefore, it looks worth siding with Convallaria.
Perfect Practice 5-2 (8-2) Made all, set steady pace, shaken up and quickened 2f out, clear over 1f out, ran on well, driven out, won at Kempton 1m fll hcp (6) pol beating Falcon Flyer (7-11) by 2 1/2l, 7 ran.
Napoletano (GER) 13-2 (9-0) Raced keenly in mid-division, chased leaders over 1f out, every chance well inside final furlong, took 2nd near finish, 2nd of 10, nk behind Golden Square (8-0) at Kempton 1m hcp (6) pol.
Soldier Field 16-1 (8-13) Dwelt, soon pushed along, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 12, 9l behind Wodhill Gold (8-7) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Convallaria (FR) 7-2fav (9-0) Towards rear, ridden and headway approaching 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 3/4l behind Joy And Pain (8-12) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Krakatau (FR) 9-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, outpaced over 2f out, stayed on to chase winner final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 12, 5l behind Wodhill Gold (8-7) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Mon Petite Amour 9-1 (8-10) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed 1f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 14, 2l behind Mr Napoleon (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec.
Baba Ghanoush 14-1 (9-1) Tracked winner, lost 2nd well over 1f out when no chance, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 13, 8l behind Carlitos Spirit (9-3) at Kempton 1m app hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Simpsons Gamble (IRE) 7-2fav (8-12) Tracked leaders on inside, led well over 1f out, hard pressed 1f out, headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 10, 1l behind Golden Square (8-0) at Kempton 1m hcp (6) pol.
Climate (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Held up, effort over 2f out, one pace, 6th of 8, 3 1/2l behind High Class Problem (8-9) at Kempton 1m hcp (6) std.
Over To You Bert 20-1 (8-7) Held up behind, some headway 2f out, stayed on same pace, never nearer, 6th of 12, 7l behind Tipsy Lad (8-12) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jul.
Dancing Duo 12-1 (8-7) Mid-division until ridden and outpaced 2f out, 8th of 13, 4l behind Emma Jean Lad (9-3) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Takaamul 16-1 (8-10) Mid-division, chased leaders 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, no extra when headed final 100 yards, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Epidaurian King (8-8) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Dec.
