led until headed 3f out, weakened over 2f out
prominent on inside, led narrowly 2f out, ridden clear 1f out, stayed on same pace, headed on line
took keen hold, prominent, lost position over 2f out, headway over 1f out, ran on strongly inside final furlong and gaining towards finish
prominent on inner, chased leader 3f out, led over 2f out, soon headed, one pace afterwards, lost 3rd towards finish
held up in rear, headway to chase leaders over 2f out, soon ridden and weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, led narrowly 3f out, outpaced over 1f out, rallied inside final furlong, ran on to lead line
pulled hard in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace from over 1f out
settled towards rear, ridden over 3f out and no impression final 2f
Melpomene is on the upgrade and is selected ahead Polish Power and Eva Soneva So Fast. The last named is holding his form well and, having gone close here in his last two outings, he has to be respected. Still, he has looked to be in the grip of the handicapper of late and needs to post a career best effort. Polish Power has been raised just 3lb after recording a gutsy victory here three weeks ago (Eva Soneva So Fast is 1lb better off for a quarter length) and also has to come into the reckoning. The Stan Moore-trained gelding should have few problems with the step up in trip and rates as a worthy alternative to the selection. However, Melpomene has far more scope for improvement and, as one of a small number of Mark Johnston's All Weather string to have a recent win under his belt, it would come as no surprise to see the son of Peintre Celebre take this latest test in his stride.
Barathea Blazer 12-1 (9-9) Held up in rear, headway on outside over 1f out, never nearer, 4th of 8, 3l behind Nando's Dream (8-4) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Eva Soneva So Fast (IRE) 5-4fav (9-7) Tracked leader, led 3f out, ridden over 2f out, headed well inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Polish Power (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcap (4) pol.
Country Pursuit (USA) 7-1 (8-8) Led 1f, tracked leader after, led over 4f out to over 3f out, weakened quickly, last of 8, 22l behind Sweet Indulgence (8-8) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Nov.
Polish Power (GER) 20-1 (9-3) Mid-division, chased leader 2f out, driven to lead well inside final furlong, all out, won at Lingfield 1m 4f hcap (4) pol beating Eva Soneva So Fast (9-7) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Pass The Port 3-1jt-fav (8-10) Held up, headway 5f out, chased winner over 3f out until entering final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Inch Lodge (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Melpomene 2-1 (8-9) Held up, led on bridle over 3f out, clear over 1f out, very easily, won at Southwell 1m 4f mdn stk (5) fbs in Nov beating Art Investor (9-4) by 8l, 10 ran.
Ocean Pride (IRE) 20-1 (8-10) Chased leader, hampered and lost place over 3f out, soon ridden, headway and hung left over 1f out, hung both ways final furlong, one pace, 5th of 10, 6l behind Inch Lodge (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Liberty Run (IRE) 20-1 (9-4) Held up towards rear, pushed along 4f out, stayed on final furlong, not pace to reach leaders, 5th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Prime Contender (9-1) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
