in touch, led after 2f, ridden and headed 2f out, no extra final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
held up behind leaders, effort over 3f, weakened over 1f
mid-division, effort 4f out, no impression
in touch, ridden to lead 2f out, kept on final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 4f, one pace final 2f
towards rear, never dangerous
towards rear, ridden over 4f, headway over 2f, weakened final furlong
always rear division
prominent, driven 2f out, had every chance approaching final furlong, stayed on same pace
led, headed after 2f and remained in touch until weakened over 3f
always towards rear
ICE BELLINI seems the strongest in the last with Inch Lodge and Summer Lodge the best poised to challenge. The Selection has taken well to life on the fibresand after winning her Southwell Debut on her penultimate start. Last time trainer Gay Kelleway gave the filly an extra two furlongs to take on which didn't suit and with the return to this trip she should score again especially with weight in hand on her main rivals. Inch Lodge could be an excellent each way chance if the price stays in a bracket to play that way. New to this racecourse the lack of form when running with cut in the ground is a distinct disadvantage, as is carrying top weight but recent performances have shown a horse beginning to run well again. Jamie Spencer's mount Summer Lodge is not as well drawn than our selection and his course form is not as impressive. There is a win in the not too distant past for this one at Wolverhampton in a better race. Was in third place of 13 in an almost identical contest here in September but he seems to like the Polytrack better than the Southwell sand. Three Strings could have a chance on recent turf form while the same can be said for Sabancaya who is nothing if not consistent however everything seems to be in favour of Ice Bellini.
Inch Lodge 14-1 (10-0) Took keen hold, chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 11, 8l behind Apache Fort (9-9) at W'hampton 1m 4f app clm (6) pol in Oct.
Summer Lodge 9-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Five Two (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct.
Touch of Style (IRE) 6-1 (9-8) Prominent, ridden 4f out, soon driven and weakened, 11th of 13, 25l behind She's So Pretty (9-6) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Ice Bellini 3-1fav (8-12) Tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on towards finish, 3rd of 10, 3/4l behind Elaala (9-1) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Three Strings (USA) 13-2 (9-7) Led for 1f, chased leaders, one pace from over 2f out, 4th of 14, 9l behind Covert Mission (8-13) at Catterick 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) gs in Oct.
Parnassian 25-1 (9-8) Towards rear, kept on from over 1f out but never in contention, 7th of 14, 9l behind Stand Guard (9-6) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Red Tarn 8-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, pushed along 5f out, ridden and outpaced 3f out, driven and stayed on approaching final furlong, took 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Salerosa (8-12) at Southwell 1m mdn aut stk (6) fbs.
Liberty Seeker (FR) 28-1 (9-7) Held up towards rear, ridden over 6f out, soon beaten and eased, last of 8, well behind Mid Valley (8-10) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Feb.
Mid Valley 7-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, always towards rear, 11th of 12, 16l behind Itsy Bitsy (8-6) at Yarmouth 1m 2f app hcp (6) gf in Jul.
Gayanula (USA) 5-1 (8-13) Steadied at start, held up towards rear, headway on outer over 2f, ridden and one pace final 2f, 4th of 8, 12l behind Ice Bellini (8-3) at Southwell 1m 4f 3yo hcp (5) fbs.
Sabancaya 7-2fav (9-2) In touch, led over 3f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 11, 4l behind Banquet (8-12) at Catterick 1m 4f 3yo hcp (6) gd in Aug.
Bluecrop Boy 33-1 (8-12) Led, pressed from over 7f out, headed approaching final furlong, no extra close home, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Montgomery (9-11) at Folkestone 1m 7f Stks (41-45) (7) gs in Aug '07.
Bonny Bright Eyes 10-3 (7-12) Held up, headway on outer over 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong, 4th of 7, 4l behind Linby (8-8) at Beverley 1m 4f 3yo sll hcp (6) gf in Jul.
Que Beauty (IRE) 125-1 (8-6) Slowly into stride, always behind, 12th of 13, 15l behind Kashimin (8-8) at Pontefract 6f 2yo mdn auc (5) gd in Oct '07.
