mid-division, ridden 3f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, chased winner 2f out, held final furlong
always in the rear
very slowly into stride, headway 6f out, one pace final 2f
hampered start, some late progress
in touch, weakened 4f out
mid-division, hung left and behind final 4f
tracked winner to over 2f out, faded final furlong
never a factor
made all, unchallenged
in touch, hard ridden 3f out, took 3rd post
always towards the rear
held up towards rear, some late progress, never a danger
Red Birr is taken to build on a solid recent effort and account for Amorist, Holiday Cocktail and Port 'n' Starboard, with Cormorant Wharf not to be ruled out entirely. This handicap is a tough one for punters to unravel, but Red Birr has plenty going for him and must surely be involved in the finish. He was successful on his first outing for Paul Webber here last month, and was the only one to make a race of it with Kindlelight Debut at Wolverhampton next time. The latter has since franked the form, and with a good draw here in stall five, Red Birr makes most appeal. Holiday Cocktail has also met Kindlelight Debut twice recently and come off second-best both times. On a line through that horse, he looks held by the selection. Amorist has done his winning on the Fibresand at Southwell, but given the shrewdness of his trainer, he must be kept in mind as well. Port 'n' Starboard got the better of Kirkstone the time before last, and like the latter, was just edged out himself last time. He has it to do from stall 11 but can get involved as can Cormorant Wharf who will be suited by the return to this trip. All in all, we would rather side with Red Birr.
Admiral Compton 5-1 (8-4) Tracked leader, hard ridden and every chance when carried right final 100 yards, no extra near finish, 4th of 10, 1 1/2l behind El Tiger (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Red Birr (IRE) 5-2fav (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, every chance inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 13, hd behind Kindlelight Debut (8-10) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Baboosh (IRE) 66-1 (9-4) Towards rear, lost place halfway, behind final 3f, 12th of 14, 12l behind Sir Haydn (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Scottish River (USA) 5-1 (9-4) Slowly into stride, pulled hard and held up in rear, headway on outside over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 7th of 10, 5l behind Alfridini (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Rawaabet (IRE) 25-1 (9-1) Prominent, effort over 2f out, soon ridden and weakened quickly over 1f out, last of 13, 10l behind Glencalvie (9-2) at Windsor 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Oct.
Paparaazi (IRE) 12-1 (8-3) Mid-division, lost place over 2f out, soon beaten, 13th of 15, 9l behind Willhego (8-6) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Cormorant Wharf (IRE) 7-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out, 9th of 14, 5l behind Stoic Leader (9-1) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Innpursuit 33-1 (9-1) Always in rear, last of 11, 16l behind Wavertree Warrior (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 3yo hcp (4) pol in Jul.
Eloquent Knight (USA) 8-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, held up, ridden and some headway well over 1f out, soon no impression, 6th of 14, 5l behind Willhego (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
Holiday Cocktail 4-1co-fav (8-13) Behind, headway over 2f out, ridden and not much room over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Kindlelight Debut (8-11) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Amorist (IRE) 5-2fav (8-11) In touch, led over 2f out, headed and hampered well over 1f out, no extra, 5th of 14, 10l behind Byron Bay (9-1) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-70 (5) fbs in Dec.
Port 'n Starboard 9-2fav (8-9) Keen hold, held up towards rear, ridden and headway 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, ran on well towards finish, 2nd of 10, nk behind Bonnabee (8-7) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Border Edge 12-1 (9-0) Led to 2f out, weakening when hampered on rail approaching final furlong, 10th of 13, 11l behind Blue Hedges (7-12) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) std.
Lady Taverner 7-1 (8-11) Always prominent, chased leaders into final furlong, ridden and every chance 1f out, weakened close home, 3rd of 12, nk behind I'll Do It Today (8-11) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
