towards rear, pushed along 3f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on, nearest finish
soon led, ridden over 1f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong
held up in rear, pushed along over 1f out, never nearer
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, led and edged right inside final furlong, driven out
keen tracked leader, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
dwelt held up, not clear run over 1f out, switched left entering final furlong, ran on, not reach leaders
raced wide tracked leaders, pushed along over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
Arizona John won this last year from a 3lb higher mark but he was fit from racing on the all-weather unlike today. Asteroidea started favourite on her reappearance at Catterick but didn't handle the soft ground while Ambleside ran much better at Pontefract after a long absence and he's on the same mark as when last successful. His stablemate Itlaaq will like the conditions but is better over further, a remark that could also be applied to bumper winner Two Jabs. LEADERENE won a course and distance handicap on fast going in September and though returning from a long absence that shouldn't be an issue as she reappeared in very good form last season so gets the nod.
Saved By The Bell (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Soon led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong, 7th of 9, 10l behind Masterpaver (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp (2) in Nov.
Asteroidea 5-2fav (9-6) Led, headed over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, 17l behind Mr Gallivanter (9-2) at Catterick 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Itlaaq 28-1 (9-6) Mid-division, ridden over 1f out, no impression, 5th of 9, 13l behind Mr Gallivanter (9-2) at Catterick 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Two Jabs 8-1 (9-0) Led, ridden 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, rallied close home, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Sbraase (8-13) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) in Mar.
Leaderene 17-2 (8-11) Took keen hold, tracking leaders on outside, pushed along over 3f out, soon weakened, 12th of 13, 35l behind Headline News (9-5) at Newmarket 1m 4f flls hcp 0-130 (3) gs in Oct.
Ambleside 22-1 (9-6) In touch, chased leaders over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 4th of 12, 8l behind Final Countdown (8-13) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gs.
Full Day 7-2 (8-9) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 7, 1l behind Spectator (9-0) at Chester 1m 6f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jul.
Arizona John (IRE) 25-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, outpaced over 3f out, soon lost place, 8th of 9, 24l behind Rowlestone Lass (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp 0-80 (4) in Dec.