in rear, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, chased winner just inside final furlong, kept on one pace
made all, clear 2f out, unchallenged
chased leaders, outpaced halfway
slowly into stride, headway to chase leaders after 2f out, ridden and weakened 2f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased winner until just inside final furlong, soon weakened
Not easy to discount any of these in truth and RAY OF JOY is only a tentative pick ahead of Fen Spirit and Bajan Tryst. John Jenkins has had a couple of winners of late and with this horse having the edge of fitness ahead of some of today's rivals, we are prepared to believe that he can make it count. Fen Spirit tries cheek pieces rather than the blinkers that have been present previously. Expect to see positive tactics on this occasion. Bajan Tryst is used to the hustle and bustle of big handicaps. If he takes to life around Dunstall Park he could be very interesting indeed. Pawan continues to run his heart out and and is sure to run another solid race inspite of his jockey. Classic Destiny is lightly raced though has posted a victory previously off a mark of 82. Indian Skipper has plenty of weight for what he has achieved. Cases can be made for every runner and Ray Of Joy could represent likely value at the odds of reward.
Indian Skipper (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, in rear, good headway and looked dangerous over 1f out on inside, soon no room and eased, last of 13, 7l behind Autumn Blades (10-1) at Kempton 7f hcp (0-90) (3) pol.
Bajan Tryst (USA) 33-1 (8-10) Close up, every chance 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 13th of 20, 6l behind Silver Wind (8-12) at Doncaster 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Sep.
Pawan (IRE) 15-2 (8-9) Dwelt, went left start, soon pushed along and chasing leaders, chased winner final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Argentine (8-9) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.
Classic Descent 6-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, in rear, headway over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 11, 6l behind Captain Macarry (9-6) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Ray of Joy 12-1 (9-2) Close up on outside, headway over 1f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, no chance with comfortable winner, 3rd of 7, 2 3/4l behind Tiddliwinks (9-5) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Fen Spirit (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Soon led, ridden over 1f out, soon edged right, headed inside final furlong, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 13, 2 1/4l behind Divine Force (8-6) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.