mid-division, driven and headway over 1f out, one pace final furlong
took keen hold in touch, ridden along over 2f out, had every chance until edged right over 1f out, no extra final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
started slowly and behind, ridden along and headway on wide outside 2f out, stayed on final furlong
held up, not much room halfway, ridden to lead well over 1f out, driven out final furlong
led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, effort over 2f out, no impression
prominent to halfway
mid-division, pushed along halfway, never reached challenging position
chased leaders to halfway
The short list contains Prettilini, Machinate and Desert Story, with the selection being Prettilini. A return to her course and distance run of December 2006 would give Pretillini a solid shout, although she has been in and out since. Feelin Irie has never run here, although he holds claims on his best Turf form, while Machinate's last two runs, both at Wolverhampton, suggested that he is making some improvement. First-time cheekpieces brought some improvement from Desert Story last time at Wolverhampton and he could go well again. A Teen is the type that could run into a place, while Hilltop Fantasy holds place claims on his best pieces of form. Finally, Warden Warren has been disappointing since his October win, although he would hold a chance based on that form. All in all, though, a modest opener, with the selection being Prettilini.
Bandos 11-1 (8-4) Soon led, ridden over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 12, 7l behind Mister Benji (8-10) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Feb.
Feelin Irie (IRE) 20-1 (8-11) Soon with leader, ridden and every chance 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 5l behind Mister Benji (8-10) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Feb.
Prettilini 17-2 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 4th of 11, 4l behind Soba Jones (8-9) at Southwell 6f hcp (6) fbs in Feb.
Machinate (USA) 7-1 (8-0) Held up towards rear, not clear run over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Our Kes (8-10) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Feb.
Bob Baileys 15-2 (9-1) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 13, 15l behind Gem Bien (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f sll hcp (6) pol in Jul.
Desert Lover (IRE) 7-1 (8-2) Took keen hold, tracked winner throughout, ridden over 2f out, edged left over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong, 2nd of 10, 3l behind My Michelle (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Feb.
Sowerby 11-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, soon pushed along in rear, 7th of 9, 5l behind Sharp Hat (8-11) at Southwell 5f banded stk (7) fbs in Apr.
A Teen 33-1 (8-2) Towards rear, until stayed on final 2f, 6th of 11, 1 1/2l behind Mystic Man (8-4) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Feb.
Hilltop Fantasy 25-1 (8-0) Soon led, ridden 2f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Blushing Prince (8-0) at Southwell 1m app hcp (6) fbs in Feb.
Warden Warren 14-1 (9-0) Prominent on outer for over 3f, soon weakened, eased 2f out, tailed off, 12th of 13, well behind Comeintothespace (9-0) at Kempton 1m Stks (41-45) (7) pol in Jan.
Pepper Road 50-1 (8-11) Prominent, ridden to challenge over 2f out, soon faded, 9th of 13, 12l behind Mid Valley (9-0) at Southwell 1m Stks (41-45) (7) fbs in Feb.
Ahaz 100-1 (8-0) Slowly into stride, always in rear, 13th of 14, 9l behind Blushing Prince (8-0) at Southwell 1m app hcp (6) fbs in Feb.
