behind, headway over 1f out, never nearer
held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, soon ridden and one pace
mid-division, headway over 1f out, never on terms
led 2f, remained prominent, led again over 5f out, ridden and headed just inside final furlong, soon weakened
in touch, headway over 2f out, hard ridden to lead just inside final furlong, kept on well
held up in touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong
behind, pushed along over 3f out, soon beaten
led 8f out, headed over 5f out, lost place over 2f out
mid-division, weakened over 2f out
always behind
BAVARICA can follow up his recent success here, while Gizmondo and Rough Sketch are likely dangers. The selection steps back up in trip after success over a mile at the track a week or so ago, and it was no surprise that he was running on strongly there given that he has often contested races over this far. His pilot's 5lb claim will clearly help him to overcome a 4lb rise in the weights and we will take him to follow up. Gizmondo is 1lb lower than when running well over course and distance last time and from a yard that does so well here he has to be respected. Rough Sketch represents Sir Mark Prescott, for whom he makes his handicap debut and is stepped up from 7f on his first start since October 2007. Pedigree suggests this trip will be ideal and if the market speaks positively of his chances then he would be very interesting. Samurai Warrior has to prove himself over this trip but has possibilities from this mark if he stays this far. Bespoke Boy will struggle on grounds of stamina and we'll take Bavarica to score.
Bavarica 3-1fav (8-2) Settled in last and raced keenly, headway over 1f out, quickened to lead final half furlong, soon clear, pushed out, won at Lingfield 1m app hcp (5) pol beating Hucking Hero (9-3) by 2l, 6 ran.
Gizmondo 7-1 (9-2) Held up in touch, effort 2f out, every chance entering final furlong, soon one pace, 4th of 9, 3l behind Formidable Guest (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec.
Bespoke Boy 66-1 (8-11) Prominent 3f, last of 12, 15l behind Sands Crooner (9-4) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Rough Sketch (USA) 40-1 (9-3) In touch, hard ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced, 7th of 9, 10l behind The Which Doctor (9-3) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Oct '07.
Samurai Warrior 9-2 (8-11) Led, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Smokey Rye (8-2) at Lingfield 1m app clm (6) pol in Dec.
Broughtons Flight (IRE) 9-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, driven over 2f, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 8l behind Lujano (9-4) at Southwell 1m 3yo hcp (6) fbs in Dec.
Bobering 66-1 (8-6) Always in rear, 9th of 10, 28l behind Karmest (9-5) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Dec.
Silver Spruce 50-1 (8-2) Slowly into stride, towards rear, never near leaders, 6th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Cavalry Guard (8-5) at Lingfield 7f app hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Galley Slave (IRE) 40-1 (8-8) Always towards rear, 11th of 17, 16l behind Coral Shores (8-12) at Pontefract 1m 2f ldy rds hcp (5) gd in Jun.
Space Pirate 18-1 (8-9) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon struggling, last of 12, 19l behind Prairie Hawk (8-2) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
