held up, headway well over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish
led, ridden and headed well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, lost place over 5f out, some headway when not clear run and switched right inside final furlong, never dangerous
with leader, ridden and every chance 2f out, one pace inside final furlong, no impression on winner
always prominent, led well over 1f out, ran on well, readily
held up in touch, ridden 3f out, one pace entering final furlong, faded towards finish
always prominent, ridden 1f out, kept on same pace
took keen hold in mid-division, headway on inside well over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong
slowly into stride, in rear, ridden and came wide over 2f out, never dangerous
held up, headway on outside 5f out, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
pulled hard, held up in mid-division, behind final 2f
An open contest in which the tentative vote goes to Ektimaal ahead of Rebellious Spirit, Councellor, and Mandarin Spirit. Ed Dunlop's charge is chasing a four-timer today and will have to defy a 6lb rise in the weights for an easy win last time out. His hold-up style of running means that the handicapper may be yet to get to grips with him though and he looks capable of going in again. Councellor is consistent and is only 2lbs above his highest winning mark so warrants respect, as does Mandarin Spirit. A game winner last time out, Greg Chung's course and distance winner has place claims at least today. Gifted Gamble was over a length back in second that day and a 2lb pull in the weights may not be enough to reverse the placings today. Derek Shaw's horses are in good form and Gallantry comes here with every chance although he may be better over the mile trip. Rebellious Spirit and Resplendant Nova are consistent and both have place claims once again, however we will tentatively return to Ed Dunlop's Ektimaal as our idea of the winner.
Gallantry 10-1 (8-8) Held up, headway over 1f out, led just inside final furlong, ridden clear, won at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (3) pol in Feb beating Rebellious Spirit (8-10) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Rebellious Spirit 12-1 (8-10) Soon pressed leader, driven upsides entering final furlong, not pace of winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Gallantry (8-8) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (3) pol in Feb.
Grimes Faith 8-1 (9-2) Held up, ridden halfway, soon beaten, last of 11, 8l behind Lucayos (8-9) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb.
Resplendent Nova 5-2fav (8-10) Led 1f, led again just over 3f out to 2f out, kept on under pressure, just held, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Bomber Command (8-4) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Ektimaal 11-10fav (9-2) Held up, headway on outside 3f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on well, won at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan beating Dapple Dawn (8-9) by 2l, 9 ran.
Gifted Gamble 7-2fav (8-13) Held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, not much room and switched left over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Mandarin Spirit (8-9) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Feb.
Fremen (USA) 25-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, held up, smooth headway over 3f out, hung left over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, held towards finish, 3rd of 17, nk behind Kinsya (9-2) at York 1m 1f hcap (4) sft in Oct.
Mandarin Spirit (IRE) 15-2 (8-9) Held up in touch, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, hung right inside final furlong, kept on, won at Southwell 7f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Feb beating Gifted Gamble (8-13) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Quai Du Roi (IRE) 20-1 (9-12) Slowly into stride and held up, progress into mid-division approaching halfway, weakened from 4f out, 16th of 17, well behind Kerdem (9-6) at Fairyhouse 1m 4f hcp 0-100 sft in Sept.
Hypnotic 7-2fav (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 13, 4 1/2l behind dhtrs Mezuzah (9-1) & King Harson (9-1) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-80 (4) sft in Sept.
King Marju (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Mid-division, headway 2f out, edged left over 1f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 10, 2l behind Danetime Lord (8-4) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Feb.
Councellor (FR) 13-2 (8-9) Mid-division, headway 2f out, driven final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Dichoh (8-9) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.
