prominent, effort over 2f out, no impression
slowly into stride, behind, chased along, headway after 1f, ridden halfway, never dangerous
led, ridden, headed over 2f out, soon beaten
tracked leader, led over 2f out, driven, ran on final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
A disappointing turnout for this event where course and distance winner Jord is given preference over My Mentor and Cha Cha Cha. Only in recent weeks has Alan McCabe's gelding been stepped up to the 1mile trip and this step up has certainly yielded an improvement in form. Last time out, Jord finished a credible second in an apprentice handicap on the polytrack at Wolverhampton and although raised 4lb for that effort, he has solid claims. My Mentor hails from the in-form Prescott yard but may appreciate an extra couple of furlongs on the evidence of a recent outing on the fibresand behind Dado Mush. Cha Cha Cha is open to improvement but there is a doubt about her effectiveness on the artificial surface. However, the yard do continue to turn this filly out and a reproduction of her turf form would see her get involved. The vote is given to Jord to supplement two previous course victories.
Cha Cha Cha 7-2 (9-4) Tracked leader, ridden 3f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 3rd of 4, 9l behind Flores Sea (8-10) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Subadar 3-1fav (9-2) Held up towards rear, pushed along 3f out, beaten 2f out, eased final furlong, 12th of 13, 17l behind Tender The Great (9-7) at Kempton 7f hcap (5) pol in Sept.
Jord (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Led, bumped over 1f out, soon headed, not quicken inside final furlong, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Arthur's Edge (8-5) at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (5) pol.
My Mentor (IRE) 6-1 (9-1) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Dado Mush (8-13) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Intersky Charm (USA) 7-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders to 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 12, 11l behind The Carlton Cannes (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Dec.
King's Ransom 11-4fav (9-6) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon outpaced by winner, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Friends Hope (9-3) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Dec.