prominent, tracked leader halfway, led inside final 2f, headed inside final furlong, ran on
in touch, ridden 2f out, stayed on one pace, under pressure final furlong
always behind
chased leaders until weakened 2f out
steadied rear, good headway on inside inside final 2f, squeezed through to chased leader over 1f out, led inside final furlong, driven out
mid-division, headway to chase leading pair over 3f out to 2f out, soon weakened
held up in rear, headway on outside over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong
chased leader to halfway, weakened rapidly 3f out
in touch, ridden to chase leading pair 2f out, not quickened final furlong
soon led, headed inside final 2f, weakened approaching final furlong
raced wide, always in rear, well behind final 2f
Withdrawn
Nonrunner
Karl Burke's enviable record in claimers is enough to swing the vote towards Desperation, who gets the verdict over Mad Carew and Barton Sands. With Bishops Finger making the most appeal out those likely to be available at longer odds in the betting market. The last named is a previous course and distance winner that has a consistent record on the all weather. He returned from his winter break with a fair performance here just before Christmas and should strip a lot fitter today. However, this does appear to be a tougher assignment and he needs everything to drop just right for him. Barton Sands is another that has shown an aptitude for racing on the artificial surfaces and has solid claims on the best of his form. However, he usually needs a couple of outings top put him straight and he may just need further sharpening before he becomes a really serious betting option. Mad Carew has sound claims at the weights and, as he was not far behind the selection when they met at Wolverhampton nine days ago, he cannot confidently be ruled out on these terms. However, Desperation looks a far more reliable character and, as Robert Winston has found the key to getting the best out of him, everything looks in place for the four-year-old to add to his trainer's tally in this level of competition.
Mad Carew (USA) 7-2 (9-13) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, switched right final furlong, ran on, 3rd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Desperation (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 4f clm (6) pol.
Desperation (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) Mid-division, headway 5f out, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at W'hampton 1m 4f clm (6) pol beating Danelor (9-5) by a hd, 12 ran.
Sriology (IRE) 17-2 (8-12) In touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 12, 7l behind Little Richard (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) std.
Treetops Hotel (IRE) 22-1 (9-1) Towards rear, headway 2f out, stayed on well from over 1f out, nearest finish, 6th of 13, 2l behind Libre (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f clm (6) pol in Dec.
Bishops Finger 11-1 (8-13) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace from over 1f out, 6th of 14, 5l behind Red Birr (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
Piquet 20-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, headway to chase leaders over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 7th of 14, 7l behind Turner's Touch (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f stk (7) pol in Dec.
Barton Sands (IRE) 13-8fav (9-0) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, led 1f out, just held on, won at Lingfield 1m sll (6) pol beating Samson Quest (9-0) by a shd, 12 ran.
Crystal Ka (FR) (8-8) behind Money Box (8-6) at Chantilly 1m 2f 3yo clm gd in Jul, 14 ran.
Milk And Sultana 12-1 (9-1) Held up, ridden and headway 2f out, no impression final furlong, 7th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Three Ships (9-4) at W'hampton 1m 1f Stks (41-45) (7) pol in Nov.
Moondancer (GER) 7-1 (9-2) Chased leaders over 6f, 12th of 14, 20l behind Turner's Touch (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f stk (7) pol in Dec.
Heartbeat 100-1 (8-13) Always outpaced, 11th of 14, 40l behind Tirailleur (8-13) at Southwell 1m stk (7) fbs in Nov.
Hoh Bleu Dee 5-1 (8-11) Mid-division, ridden to join leader 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra near finish, 2nd of 13, nk behind Augustine (8-9) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Love Affair (IRE) 14-1 (8-10) Chased leaders until lost place over 3f out, 12th of 13, 21l behind Connotation (9-4) at W'hampton 1m 1f fll hcp (5) pol in Dec.
