fly leapt leaving stall, took keen hold in rear, switched right 1f out, ran on well inside furlong, took 2nd post
prominent, ridden to chase winner 1f out, no impression, lost 2nd post
held up in mid-division, took keen hold, ridden and no headway over 1f out, no impression
held up in mid-division, weakened final furlong
held up in mid-division, took keen hold, headway when not much room 1f out, hung left and no extra inside final furlong
made virtually all, ticked on over 1f out, soon clear, ran on well
led early, pressed winner until ridden well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
slowly into stride, in rear, not clear run twice over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
prominent, hung right over 1f out, soon weakened
There should be a bit of pace on here and that might help GREEK SECRET follow up his last time out victory, possibly at the chief expense of Bluebok and Rocket Ruby. Our selection scored tidily over course and distance on the last day of 2009 and a 4lb rise in the ratings may not be enough to prevent the follow up. There seemed no fluke about that victory, despite the inflated price returned, and with in a similar contest Tony Culhane's mount might just be able to follow up. Fellow last time out victor Triskaidekaphobia seemed suited by obtaining a soft lead, but with that unlikely here we turn to Bluebok for the most likely danger. Milton Bradley has his string in decent order and this nine-year-old ran well enough last time to suggest he's got place claims at least, over his ideal trip and at a course he likes. Rocket Ruby remains a maiden, but whilst she's plenty to do with our selection on previous running she has plenty of form at the trip and can go close to breaking her duck. Steel City Boy was just behind Bluebok when they met last week so must be given a chance of gaining some decent prize money for connections, whilst Best One has a 4lb pull for a couple of lengths' beating by our pick last time and could feature. Peter Grayson saddles four runners but that seems more in hope than expectation, with none of them appealing as a betting medium, and so our focus returns to Greek Secret who can follow up.
Steel City Boy (IRE) 13-2 (8-10) Behind, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 7, 4l behind Silver Prelude (9-0) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Bluebok 13-2 (8-7) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, under pressure well over 1f out, never able to challenge, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Silver Prelude (9-0) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Greek Secret 16-1 (8-12) In touch, headway 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on, won at Lingfield 5f hcp (6) in Dec beating Grand Palace (9-1) by 1l, 9 ran.
The Magic of Rio 33-1 (8-10) In rear, soon ridden along, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 9l behind Lithaam (9-1) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Oct.
Best One 8-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, behind, pushed along halfway, headway under pressure well over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, never nearer, 3rd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Lujiana (8-5) at Southwell 5f app hcp (0-55) (6) fbs.
Rocket Ruby 8-1 (9-2) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, short lived effort on inside over 2f out, 6th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Know No Fear (9-2) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-52 (6) pol.
Triskaidekaphobia 33-1 (8-4) Made all, ridden 3 lengths clear 2f out, edged right inside final furlong, driven and all out, won at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec beating Thoughtsofstardom (8-9) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Magic Glade 33-1 (8-9) Led on rail, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened rapidly, last of 8, 18l behind Matterofact (9-4) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jun.
Stoneacre Pat (IRE) 40-1 (8-5) Slowly away, always in rear, last of 9, 7l behind Triskaidekaphobia (8-4) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
Gleaming Spirit (IRE) 100-1 (8-4) Chased winner, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 6, 9l behind Glamorous Spirit (9-0) at Lingfield 5f clm stks (6) pol in Dec.
