held up, headway into 3rd and effort 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up in rear, chased leaders and 3rd over 3f out, ridden and no impression over 1f out, one pace
pulled very hard, led and soon clear, pressed entering final furlong, headed final half furlong, stayed on gamely for 2nd
tracked leader, effort 2f out, ridden to press leader entering final furlong, led final 100 yards and ran on well
steadied start, held up last, effort and 3rd over 1f out, no extra and one pace inside final furlong
A hatful in with chances in this decent handicap and from a shortlist of Arabian Spirit, Saltagioo, Titan Triumph and VIVA VETTORI, it is the last-named who is tentatively selected. The selection is one of two course and distance winners in the line-up and David Elsworth's charge is unexposed. He has won twice from just six starts, and on one of those occasions it was his seasonal reappearance. His mark of 87 means he needs to improve slightly but the drop in trip will help and out of a half-sister to Ouija Board, there is every chance that he will continue to improve. Titan Triumph was a good winner last time at Lingfield but has a 5lb higher mark as a result, Arabian Spirit returns from a break and he has needed the run in the past, whilst Can Can Star has been a good money spinner at a lower level but may find this too tough. Saltagioo is yet to win since coming across from Italy and is more one for place-pots, whilst Elna Bright and Bomber Command don't appear to be the best-handicapped horses in training. A top handicap for the track, and one that can go to Viva Vettori.
Bomber Command (USA) 8-1 (9-10) Chased leaders, hard ridden 2f out, no extra approaching final furlong, 6th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Russki (9-9) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Aug.
Arabian Spirit 8-1 (9-1) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, headway over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (3) pol in Oct beating Soft Shoe Shuffle (9-1) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Viva Vettori 10-3fav (9-0) Led until headed well over 1f out, weakened quickly final furlong, 9th of 11, 9l behind Safari Sundowner (8-0) at Kempton 1m 2f hcap (3) pol in Jun.
Saltagioo (ITY) 9-2 (9-4) Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge 2f out, disputed lead over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, pressed winner afterwards, always held final 150 yards, 2nd of 7, hd behind Tous Les Deux (8-9) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb.
Can Can Star 2-1fav (9-3) Held up in rear but not far away, ridden and headway 1f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 6, 2 1/2l behind Planetary Motion (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcap (4) pol in Feb.
Titan Triumph 2-1fav (8-10) Held up in last place, switched right well over 1f out, soon ridden, ran on to lead inside final furlong, won at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Feb beating Majuro (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Elna Bright 8-1 (9-0) Took keen hold, tracked leader for 1f, settled 3rd, ridden 2f out, soon no chance with front pair, last of 3, 6l behind King of Dixie (9-0) at Kempton 1m stk (3) pol.
