led, headed inside final furlong, no extra
slowly into stride, held up, headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
always behind
chased leaders, effort over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong
held up in touch, headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, effort and not clear run over 1f out, switched left, ran on to lead inside final furlong, readily
behind, under pressure halfway, headway over 1f out, nearest finish
tracked leader, every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace
held up, headway over 1f out, never on terms
We open with a competitive looking claimer and dropping into this grade for the first time KHELEY looks just best in at the weights so is given our verdict marginally ahead of Absa Lutte and highest rated Steelcut. After winning three times in handicaps at the turn of the year the pick rocketed up the weights but still showed a spark of form when winning an apprentices' race at Catterick two starts ago. She struggled under a high mark last time but now in this sphere she looks well treated. Absa Lutte wouldn't have to find much on these terms to beat the selection and does seem to handle this surface. The mare has a little to prove over this trip but should be in the shake up. Steelcut holds the highest handicap mark in the field and with his pilot removing some weiight from his load he is certainly weighted to mount a challenge at a track he scored at on his only previous start. Especially Special is also in with a chance on these terms but Kheley looks best in and is our selection.
Cape Royal 28-1 (9-3) With leaders, stayed on far side in straight, looked well on terms until weakened 1f out, no chance with leaders on stands side, 10th of 14, 5l behind Magical Speedfit (8-4) at Brighton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Bluebok 8-1 (8-13) Prominent in centre, driven over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 11, 3l behind Brandywell Boy (8-11) at Goodwood 5f all hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Sep.
Five Gold Rings (IRE) 18-1 (9-4) Prominent until lost action 2f out, soon eased, last of 11, 38l behind Rafta (7-12) at Salisbury 6f fll hcp (5) gf in Jun.
Kheley (IRE) 9-1 (9-4) Tracked winner, pushed along over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 10th of 13, 7l behind Billy Red (9-1) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Sep.
Wreningham 16-1 (9-3) Prominent, ridden final furlong, stayed on same pace, 5th of 11, 2l behind Metal Guru (8-11) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Absa Lutte (IRE) 7-2fav (7-13) Dwelt, pulled hard and held up in rear, headway going well over 2f out, effort on inside over 1f out, kept on into 3rd towards finish but leaders gone, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Titus Gent (9-3) at Wolverhampton 6f sell stks (6) pol.
Especially Special (IRE) 9-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out, 7th of 10, 7l behind Kuanyao (8-9) at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Come On Buckers (IRE) 22-1 (7-13) Broke well, soon chasing leaders, effort over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Step It Up (8-13) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Rebecca de Winter 10-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden approaching final furlong, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 12, 4l behind Cativo Cavallino (9-1) at Kempton 6f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Sep.
Steelcut 8-1 (8-8) With leaders on outer, ridden over 1f out, weakened final 100 yards, 8th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Lucky Leigh (8-10) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Green Lagonda (AUS) 16-1 (8-12) Soon well off the pace towards rear, headway centre 2f out, ridden and kept on into 3rd final furlong, 3rd of 14, 2l behind Magical Speedfit (8-4) at Brighton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
The Magic of Rio 33-1 (8-10) With leader to 2f out, jinked right and weakened approaching final 1f, last of 12, 15l behind Misaro (9-3) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
