held up in rear, pushed along 4 out, headway 2 out, chased winner after last, kept on
tracked leaders, weakened after 4 out, pulled up before next
led to 4th, close up, weakened approaching 2 out
in touch, led 3 out, headed after last, one pace
in rear, kept on from 2 out
led 4th, headed 3 out, kept on same pace
mid-division when fell 2nd
held up, hit 5th, smooth headway after 4 out, soon chasing leaders, went 2nd and hit 2 out, led after last, driven out
in touch, chasing leaders when blundered last, no extra
tracked leaders, weakened 3 out
held up when badly hampered 2nd, rider lost irons and pulled up before next
A weak race in comparison to the rest of the card and it can go the way of the attractively handicapped BESPOKE BOY. Pat Haslam's son of Acclamation is rated in the 50's on the flat after some disappointing efforts, but having only been beaten by five lengths in a Group Two as a juvenile, this gelding is not devoid of ability. His recent Doncaster run behind Higgy's Boy was no disgrace and this handicap mark of 87 may prove to be lenient. Cote D'Argent has been given a break and is another newcomer to handicaps, whilst top-weight Balakar joins Kid'Z'Play as old-timers who are not to be too readily dismissed. Solis ran a better race in defeat last time, whilst Beau Largesse is still a maiden but has but in some fair efforts in defeat. Catai, with Denis O'Regan an interesting jockey booking, is another for the lengthy shortlist, but if Bespoke Boy stays the trip then he could break his duck.
Balakar (IRE) 9-1 (11-5) Close up, disputed lead 7th to 9th, weakened 3 out, last of 6, 36l behind Francesco (10-1) at Ayr 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft.
Beneficial Guest (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Mid-division, moderate 9th approaching 7 out, soon no danger, 12th of 16, 37l behind Eastern Canal (11-12) at Thurles 2m 2f beg chs gd in Oct '07.
Kid'z'play (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Made most, ridden and edged left between last 2, kept on until headed flat, no extra, 3rd of 6, 2l behind Francesco (10-1) at Ayr 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft.
Solis (GER) 33-1 (10-9) Held up, always behind, 5th of 9, 22l behind Agglestone Rock (10-7) at Ayr 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft.
Isla Pearl Fisher 40-1 (11-4) In rear, headway approaching 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, 36l behind Comhla Ri Coig (11-7) at Ayr 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Ethan's Star (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, weakened from 3 out, 10th of 17, well behind Capybara (10-13) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Feb.
Beau Largesse 5-1 (11-1) Held up in touch, chased leaders 3rd, one pace from 3 out, 5th of 11, 17l behind Oscar Trial (10-3) at Newcastle 2m 4f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs.
Cote d'Argent 25-1 (10-11) Led to 4 out, weakened approaching next, 5th of 9, 36l behind King Jack (11-6) at Wetherby 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Apr.
Catai 150-1 (10-8) Held up mid-division, one pace from 3 out, 6th of 10, 24l behind Caravel (11-8) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (4) gf.
Spare Days 25-1 (11-7) In rear, outpaced when mistake 8th, soon weakened, tailed off, last of 7, well behind Vicario (11-5) at Ayr 3m hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft.
Bespoke Boy 66-1 (10-5) Held up, weakened approaching 3 out, 7th of 9, 32l behind Higgy's Boy (11-5) at Doncaster 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
