Slowly into stride, in rear, 5th approaching straight, ridden on outer over 1f out and went 2nd 150 yards out, no impression on winner, kept on one pace op 4/1
Tracked leaders, progress into 2nd after 5f, pushed along approaching straight, under pressure 2f out and soon no impression on winner, no extra inside final furlong op 9/4 tchd 2/1 and 11/4
Tracked leader in 2nd, lost place after 5f and 4th halfway, pushed along approaching straight and soon no impression in rear, no extra 2f out, weakened, tailed off
Guard Of Honour (5/2), Winter Lion (3/1), Mandatario (10/3), Venezia (9/2), Black Label (10/1), Sharjah (12/1), Rathmuck Native (33/1)
WINTER LION got the job done over C&D in November in good style, staying the trip well. Off just a 3lbs higher mark here, he can turn tables on Venezia who was behind that evening but has since has his measure over 1m4f. Mandatario wasn't far away from them over two-miles either on his last run and commands respect now. Guard Of Honour is a notable raider crossing the Irish Sea and his Lingfield form entitles him to a chance after a poor recent show at Newcastle.
1. Winter Lion
2. Venezia
3. Guard Of Honour