mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, one pace over 1f out
led 7f, ridden and weakened over 1f out
steadied start, held up in rear, headway from over 2f out to chase leaders, chased winner over 1f out, stayed on
keen, close up, led 3f out, ridden and ran on final furlong
close up, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
chased leader, ridden and weakened over 2f out
pulled hard, held up, pulled up over 4f out
mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on final furlong
held up, headway over 3f out, ridden and weakened 2f out
keen in touch, effort over 2f out, soon weakened
pulled hard in rear, kept on, never nearer
Mark Johnston took this last year and he has two chances this time around, with Drill Sergeant looks the best of the pair, while Fitzroy Crossing can also go well for the Middleham trainer, and Dr Faustus looks stiff enough in opposition. Drill Sergeant blew the field away in maiden company at Newcastle last month and was not disgraced at Nottingham last time. An improving sort, trip and ground appear to suit well and he can step up on that previous run. Fitzroy Crossing was entitled to go well at Leicester last time but did spring a bit of a surprise at 12/1 and he looks likely to be better still for this marked step up in trip. Dr Faustus was a comfortable Thirsk winner when last seen out in September and is another who will relish this new distance. He acts on fast ground and would not be inconvenienced by a drop of rain either. Cuban Missile is an interesting contender whose dam won over 12f in France and he has the scope for plenty of improvement, while Pinkindie can improve for a pipe opener and comes from an in-form yard. An interesting handicap then and Drill Sergeant can score.
Siberian Tiger (IRE) 7-4fav (9-3) Towards rear, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on one pace, 4th of 8, 7l behind Campanologist (9-3) at Kempton 1m 1f 3yo stk (2) pol in Mar.
Drill Sergeant 3-1 (9-1) Tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 3, 6l behind Curtain Call (9-5) at Nottingham 1m 2f 3yo stk (2) gs in Apr.
Ramona Chase 50-1 (9-1) Slowly away, held up in rear, headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Huzzah (8-9) at Newbury 7f 3yo hcp (3) gs in Apr.
Dr Faustus (IRE) 10-11fav (9-3) Made all, driven and stayed on well final furlong, won at Thirsk 1m 2yo mdn (4) gf in Sept beating Funny Me (8-10) by 1l, 10 ran.
Fitzroy Crossing (USA) 12-1 (9-2) Chased leader, ridden 3f out, hung left to stand side rail approaching final furlong, driven, rallied and ran on to lead towards finish, won at Leicester 7f nov stk (4) gd in Sept beating Perfect Stride (9-5) by 1/2l, 4 ran.
Cuban Missile 10-11fav (9-3) Held up behind leaders, smooth headway over 2f out, shaken up to lead over 1f out, ridden out final furlong, won at Nottingham 1m 2yo mdn (5) gf in Nov beating French Riviera (9-3) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Pinkindie (USA) 10-1 (9-4) Towards rear, chased along halfway, headway over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 16, 7l behind Perks (8-6) at Doncaster 1m 3yo hcp (4) gs in Apr.
Woolfall Treasure 11-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on, no chance with winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 14, 4 1/2l behind Bushman (10-0) at Windsor 1m 2f mdn stk (5) gd in Apr.
Dalkey Girl (IRE) 33-1 (8-9) Held up last, never a factor, 8th of 9, 8l behind Commander Cave (8-8) at Sandown 1m 3yo hcp (2) gs in Apr.
Mountain Pride (IRE) 11-4jt-fav (8-13) Held up in rear, effort on outside to chase leaders 4f out, weakened inside final 3f, 5th of 7, 23l behind Unnefer (8-13) at Newbury 1m 2f 3yo stk (3) gs in Apr.
Noble Citizen (USA) 9-2 (9-4) Chased leader to halfway, regained 2nd over 2f out until entering final furlong, weakened, 5th of 14, 3l behind Bronze Cannon (9-2) at Kempton 1m 2yo hcp 0-85 (5) pol in Oct.
