held up in rear, outpaced halfway, behind when tried to run out 2 out
chased leaders, pushed along halfway, outpaced approaching 4 out
held up in rear, headway halfway, went 3rd 4 out, no further progress
made all, soon clear, ridden 2 out, blundered last, stayed on strongly
Bodfari Signet deserves to win a race of this nature but may once more have to settle for a minor role with the vote going to Wet Lips, who gets the verdict over Altay. The last mentioned is only 4lbs higher in the weights today than when scoring at Haydock in May but has failed to sparkle in two starts this winter and is probably best watched at present. Bodfari Signet has been the model of consistency since scoring at Kelso in October but is now 15lbs higher. Ideal Du Bois Beury is well treated on his best form but has become frustrating and is difficult to recommend, while Vandas Choice has been pulled up in two starts off his current mark since landing a Down Royal handicap in November. The selection then is Richard Guest's Wet Lips. The lightly raced son of Grand Lodge has shown progressive form over hurdles, running his best race last time when chasing home Deja Vu here over 2m4f. Earlier form over two miles behind Shayadi suggests that the return to this trip should not inconvenience the six-year-old, who can make the most of the weight he receives from his rivals.
