prominent, led 2f out, soon ridden, headed and no extra inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
always behind
soon in touch, ridden and edged left over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, headway over 1f out, running on when not much room close home
mid-division, ridden 3f out, soon behind
led, ridden and headed 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
slowly into stride, held up, headway and switched left over 2f out, soon ridden, no impression final furlong
always behind
dwelt, held up, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, edged left and ran on inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, led inside final furlong, all out
Nonrunner
Stoic Leader, Imperial Rule and Dudley Docker are three against the field in a competitive finale and the vote is given to Stoic Leader. The selection was a good second off this mark behind Mandarin Spirit last time out. This looks easier and from a good draw he will be hard to beat. Imperial Rule rates the main danger as he won well last time when defeating Mina but that was 167 days ago and he has yet to win over this trip so the suspicion is he will come on for the run. Dudley Docker is another that could go well on his latest second behind Pawn In Life but consistency is not his strong point and he is passed over for that reason. Desert Lover was unlucky in running last time and is another with place claims but he is best off a strong pace and as that does not look likely here he looks worth taking on. Out For A Stroll hails from a shrewd in form yard and should be closely watched in the market but Stoic Leader sets a fair standard and will be hard to beat.
Stoic Leader (IRE) 4-1 (8-13) Chased leader, led 2f out, soon ridden, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Mandarin Spirit (8-10) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Imperial Rule (IRE) 7-4fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, led 2f out, ridden over 1f out, ran on well, won at Goodwood 6f mdn stk (5) gd in Oct beating Mina (8-2) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Mistral Sky 33-1 (9-4) Held up in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out, last of 5, 13l behind Border Music (9-0) at W'hampton 7f stk (2) pol.
Shannon Arms (USA) 18-1 (9-4) With leaders, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened quickly final furlong, 11th of 14, 9l behind Tyzack (9-2) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
Tyrone Sam 8-1 (8-8) Held up, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, not clear run inside final furlong, one pace, 9th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Mystic Man (9-4) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Dudley Docker (IRE) 7-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride and towards rear, headway when not much room 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 2nd of 14, 2l behind Pawn In Life (8-4) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Feb.
Desert Lover (IRE) 11-2 (8-13) Keen, chased leaders, ridden halfway, kept on one pace final 2f, 5th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Tyzack (9-2) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
Hit's Only Money (IRE) 7-1 (8-8) Slowly into stride, in rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Mandarin Spirit (8-10) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.