Verdict
A tight handicap in which several have decent claims. ESPY finished ahead of Loyal Royal and Chjimes when successful over C&D last month and was far from disgraced off his new mark in a return visit to the track 11 days ago. The weights suggest there will be little between the chief protagonists again in this but we just prefer the top weight to come out on top again. Dualagi is usually thereabouts in this grade and should make her presence felt again but Lordsbury Pride is still struggling to get his head in front.
Formwatch
Espy 4-1fav (9-7) Held up towards rear, headway on outside over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 10, 3/4l behind South African Gold (9-7) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Chjimes (IRE) 2-1fav (9-6) Dwelt, soon pushed along in rear, not trouble leaders, 5th of 7, 4l behind You'relikemefrank (9-2) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Mary's Pet 8-1 (9-7) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, headed entering final furlong, soon weakened, 6th of 10, 4 1/2l behind South African Gold (9-7) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Loyal Royal (IRE) 9-2 (9-1) Slowly into stride, pulled hard in rear, headway over 1f out, chased leaders inside final furlong, never able to challenge, 5th of 10, 1l behind South African Gold (9-7) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Dualagi 10-1 (9-2) Held up towards rear, headway on inside over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, not pace to threaten leaders, 4th of 12, 1 1/2l behind Bold Ring (8-5) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Lordsbury Pride (USA) 7-1 (8-10) Pulled hard chasing leaders, stayed on inside final furlong, went 2nd last strides, no impression, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Rio Royale (9-2) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Masteeat (USA) 25-1 (8-3) Started very slowly, pushed aling in rear 6f out, 8th and struggling over 3f out, tailed off, 8th of 10, 28l behind Mecox Bay (8-13) at Folkestone 1m 2f mdn auc stks (5) gf in Jun.
Leahness (IRE) 4-1 (8-5) Behind, outpaced 3f out, headway when switched left inside final furlong, stayed on to go 3rd towards finish, no chance with leading pair, 3rd of 7, 11l behind Lily Wood (8-12) at Wolverhampton 6f mdn auc stks (6) pol.
