mid-division, headway from 3f out, chased winner well over 1f out, ridden to join winner 1f out, not quicken near finish
pulled hard, held up, headway over 2f out, ridden to go 3rd approaching final furlong, kept on, no chance with leading pair
led over 7f
in touch, chased leader over 3f out, led over 2f out, joined 1f out, hung left and ran green, ran on close home
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on to take 4th inside final furlong, never nearer
tracked leader until over 3f out
slowly into stride, in rear, some headway under pressure 1f out
mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, soon one pace
tracked leader 8f out, ridden over 4f out, weakened 3f out
always in rear
held up, ridden 3f out, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 2f out
slowly into stride, always in rear
Happy as Larry gets the confident vote here with Zalkani and Siena Star rating the main dangers. The selection was a fair second behind Peruvian Prince when appearing not to stay last time out and although he is also unproven over this trip, this is a poor contest and under conditions that suit he is taken to win again. Zalkani rates the main danger on his latest second behind Saltrio but he just gave the impression the handicaper had caught up with him on that occasion and is taken on with this in mind. Siena Star is another worthy of respect on his latest sevond behind Storm Of Arabia he has the plot draw and should be closely watched in the market. Of the remainder Smokin Joe has dropped to a handy mark and could go well at a price but for the winner we are happy to return to Happy As Larry.
Happy as Larry (USA) 8-13fav (9-1) Held up, headway on outside well over 1f out, chased winner, no impression, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Peruvian Prince (8-8) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Smokin Joe 12-1 (9-1) Towards rear, ridden 3f out, stayed on, nearest finish, 4th of 13, 1 1/2l behind Dichoh (9-2) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Almanshood (USA) 25-1 (9-0) Led after 2f, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened quickly, 10th of 14, 16l behind The Fonze (7-13) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Jun.
Rapid City 15-8 (9-0) Held up, headway over 3f out, led over 1f out, comfortably, won at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) pol beating Foreign Language (8-12) by 3 1/2l, 8 ran.
Port 'n Starboard 6-1 (9-6) Behind, ridden over 2f out, no impression on leaders, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 14, 7l behind Jordan's Light (9-4) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Nov.
Zalkani (IRE) 2-1fav (10-13) Held up, headway 6f out, every chance 2f out, no extra inside last, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Saltrio (11-2) at W'hampton 1m 6f amt hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Marbaa (IRE) 16-1 (8-6) Slowly into stride, held up, effort on inside over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 10, 3l behind Sotik Star (9-3) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Nov.
Siena Star (IRE) 11-4jt-fav (9-5) Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, stayed on well close home, 2nd of 10, nk behind Storm of Arabia (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
