held up in last place, rapid headway on outer approaching 2f out, ridden when carried right entering final furlong, snatched up, switched left towards finish, did well to hold on to 2nd
tracked leader, led narrowly over 4f out, ridden 2f out, headed entering final furlong, no extra final 50 yards
keen, tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, led entering final furlong, hung badly right, driven out
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, ridden, headway on inside over 1f out, ran on
keen, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led, headed narrowly over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, one pace from over 1f out
held up, headway on inside to track leaders over 6f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
Plenty come here in good form and with a decent chance however it is Sgt Schultz who can break his run of bad luck; Baylini and Speedy Sam make it to the shortlist along with Philatelist. The last-named posted some decent efforts in top handicaps last season and this nicely-bred colt should be respected accordingly with the blinkers off. However Sgt Schultz has been unlucky in running of late and whilst that is a risk backers take again with this hold-up performer, his jockey must surely be wiser today. Speedy Sam is starting to slip down to a handy mark after some average efforts, whilst Baylini and Mataram are both holding their form and are proven at the track. Rationale won with some authority last time at Kempton and is unexposed on the all-weather although a 5lb rise in this better race demands improvement. Jamie Spencer catches the eye on Bee Stinger, however preference is for Sgt Schultz.
Baylini 10-11fav (9-12) Tracked leaders, led over 2f out, soon headed, rallied approaching final furlong, weakened close home, 4th of 8, 3l behind Art Man (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Jan.
Sgt Schultz (IRE) 10-3 (8-8) Held up towards rear, headway 2f out, not clear run over 1f out, ridden and ran on towards finish, 3rd of 8, 1/2l behind John Terry (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) pol.
Philatelist (USA) 9-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, led 2f out, soon ridden, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 5th of 14, 4l behind Teslin (9-3) at Beverley 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-105 (2) gf in Aug.
Speedy Sam 7-2jt-fav (8-11) Tracked leader, ridden 3f out, weakened quickly 2f out, last of 8, 14l behind Samarinda (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) pol.
Rationale (IRE) 13-2 (9-4) Started slowly, held up, headway2f out, quickened between horses to lead entering final furlong, ran on, driven out, won at Kempton 1m 3f hcp 0-80 (4) pol beating Fregate Island (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Mataram (USA) 4-1 (9-1) Close up, switched right over 1f out, strong run to lead towards finish, won at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Art Man (9-1) by a nk, 7 ran.
Bee Stinger 5-2fav (9-5) Held up towards rear, headway 2f out, chasing leaders when not clear run approaching final furlong, stayed on well, 5th of 8, 3/4l behind Hanbrin Bhoy (8-2) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Jan.
Freeloader (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) Led 1f, remained prominent, ridden to challenge well over 1f out until entering final furlong, no extra towards finish, 5th of 8, 3l behind Scamperdale (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
