started slowly, held up, behind, checked when making headway 1f out, ran on well inside final furlong, nearest finish
slowly into stride, soon in touch, chased leaders 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, took 2nd final strides, going on close home
awkward leaving stalls, took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner final furlong, lost 2nd final strides
in touch, ridden and outpaced well over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not reached leaders
prominent, ridden 2f out, slightly outpaced over 1f out, stayed on again inside final furlong
made all, led and set modest pace, ridden and quickened over 1f out, ran on well final furlong
in rear, plenty to do over 1f out, ran on well final furlong, gaining on leaders
behind, ridden over 1f out, no progress, soon outpaced
tracked winner to over 3f out, still in touch over 1f out, no extra final furlong
Bonus could spring a surprise at the principal expense of Desert Lord and Borderlescott. Gerald Butler's charge does have a bit to do on the official ratings but it could be that this strongly run six might suit and at the likely odds he does represent some semblance of value. Desert Lord represents top grade form over five furlongs. This is arguably his easiest assignment on paper for some time but he has had a hard season. Borderlescott is deserving of a victory following a succession of nearmisses. The market is watched on a first all-weather run. Knot In Wood is a perfectly progressive sprinter and cannot be ruled out with confidence. Little Edward should find this a little tough while Maltese Falcon, who can be difficult to catch right, appears likely to assume front-running duties this afternoon. Ajigolo seems to need six these days and is watched in the market. Bonus is the bet in this valuable contest.
Bonus (IRE) 12-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, driven to lead over 1f out, held on well, won at Kempton 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Oct beating Beaver Patrol (9-5) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Borderlescott 4-1 (9-3) Led, ridden over 2f out, kept on gamely final furlong, headed post, 2nd of 13, shd behind Galeota (9-6) at Doncaster 6f lst stk (1) gf.
Desert Lord 15-2 (9-11) Disputed lead, led after 2f to well over 1f out, kept on under pressure, 3rd of 17, 4l behind Benbaun (9-11) at Longchamp 5f Grp 1 (1) gs in Oct.
Knot In Wood (IRE) 11-1 (9-3) Held up, ridden along over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 13, 3/4l behind Galeota (9-6) at Doncaster 6f lst stk (1) gf.
Little Edward 12-1 (8-8) Took fierce hold in rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on, never nearer, 6th of 11, 1 1/2l behind Ceremonial Jade (8-13) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol.
Maltese Falcon 16-1 (9-9) Led, ridden and edged right 2f out, headed well inside final furlong, no extra, 4th of 11, 1/2l behind Ceremonial Jade (8-13) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol.
Murfreesboro 66-1 (9-1) Soon led, headed approaching 2f out, weakened and eased, last of 8, 9l behind Smart Enough (9-1) at Bath 1m stk (3) gf in Oct.
Expensive Art (IRE) 7-1 (8-11) Steadied start, held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, soon chasing leaders, never able to challenge, 3rd of 9, 2l behind Halsion Chancer (8-10) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Woodnook 25-1 (9-9) Held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 11, 12l behind Bee Eater (8-10) at Newmarket 6f fll hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Ajigolo 7-1 (9-3) Towards rear, soon chased along, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 13, 3l behind Aegean Dancer (9-1) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-95 (3) pol.
