chased clear leader after 3f, led over 3f out, ridden and headed 3f out, still every chance when rider dropped reins over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
reared start, soon in touch, chased leader over 3f out, led 3f out, soon ridden, joined from over 1f out, headed towards finish
chased clear leader 3f, remaind close up, ridden to chase leader and soon every chance over 1f out, driven and wore down leader to lead near finish
held up mid-division, took closer order 4f out, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, ridden 4f out, kept on to go moderate 4th over 1f out
mid-division, ridden 5f out, weakened 4f out
slowly into stride, pulled hard in rear, ridden 5f out, soon lost touch
led and soon clear, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
Joint top weight AZABU JUBAN gets our vote in this trappy handicap, being preferred to Victory Quest and Calculating. The selection races under a six pound penalty after winning at Great Leighs last week, and although this represents a step up in trip, the way she was finishing suggested it shouldn't be a problem. In the New Year she's going hurdling in Ireland, so this represents a chance for another quick payday. Calculating hasn't been at his best for a few months, but although second here last week to Simple Jim over this trip, he proved to be a bit of a monkey coming on and off the bridle. On his day, he's more than capable. Simple Jim's penalty is partly absorbed by being three pounds overweight last time. Victory Quest was third in that race, and has a few pounds in hand. he's got a 20 percent strike rate on the all-weather, winning here eight times. Stamina shouldn't be a problem, which may be for one or two. This could see a lively betting market, and our preference in a field with several chances, is for Azabu Juban.
Calculating (IRE) 11-2 (9-11) Prominent, outpaced over 4f out, stayed on final 2f, not reach winner, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Simple Jim (8-9) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Azabu Juban (IRE) 4-1 (8-6) Led, headed 8f out, remained close up, ridden over 3f out, driven to lead final 100 yards, won at Great Leighs 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Weybridge Light (8-0) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Victory Quest (IRE) 7-1 (9-8) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, driven and one pace final 2f, 3rd of 8, 1l behind Simple Jim (8-9) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Exit to Luck (GER) 10-1 (9-2) Raced wide, mid-division, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 11, 19l behind Turban Heights (9-7) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Nov.
Simple Jim (FR) 9-1 (8-9) Held up, headway 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on well, won at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs beating Calculating (9-11) by 1l, 8 ran.
Mayadeen (IRE) 14-1 (9-5) Led 4f, remained in touch, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, rallied to chase winner inside final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 14, 3l behind Sir Sandicliffe (9-2) at Catterick 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gs in Oct.
Heart Springs 12-1 (9-4) In touch, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 8, 6l behind Primondo (9-10) at Warwick 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Aug '06.
Tapaellya (IRE) 33-1 (8-13) Held up mid-division, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, eased over 1f out, 8th of 12, 40l behind Zuwaar (9-5) at W'hampton 2m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Carlowsantana (IRE) 33-1 (8-11) Behind, driven 3f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, 6th of 13, 3l behind The Cayterers (8-13) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-70 (5) std.
