led, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace
close up in rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on final furlong, never a factor
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
close up, headway to press winner approaching final furlong, ridden and ran on, just held
tracked leader, led over 1f out, soon pressed, ridden and ran on, all out
Nonrunner
Sporting Gold, the winner of a class 5 handicap at Haydock last summer, didn't do as well when stepped up in grade last time and looks high enough in the weights. Brigadoon has changed stables and made a winning start at Catterick where he appeared to have a bit to spare. He's only 3lb higher so should get into the picture. After scoring at Kempton in August, Omnipresent came here with a favourite's chance but couldn't handle the 9lb rise in weights while Aneedh has been inconsistent over hurdles this winter. Arizona John was beaten a head in this a year ago and is just 2lb higher despite scoring at Pontefract shortly after so he could go well at a big price but Future Security's victory in the snow at St Moritz was followed by a moderate run when fancied at Wolverhampton. The dual-purpose performer FUJIN DANCER has won a dozen races including a handicap hurdle at Fakenham last month. He's suited by a strong gallop and stiff finish so this could be within his capabilities.
Brigadoon 10-1 (9-5) Held up mid-division, headway 4f out, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on, won at Catterick 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) sft beating Fly Solo (8-7) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Omnipresent 11-8fav (9-7) Slowly into stride, held up in 5th, ridden 3f out, effort and went 3rd over 1f out, no impression, 3rd of 5, 9l behind A Star In My Eye (9-3) at Beverley 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Sep.
Fujin Dancer (FR) 20-1 (9-2) Pushed along after start, held up towards rear, keeping on at same pace and no impression when short of room briefly inside final furlong, 6th of 13, 8l behind Squire Osbaldeston (9-6) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb.
Aneedh 9-2 (9-7) Took keen hold tracking leaders on inside, ridden over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, closed on idling winner near finish, always held, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Vicky Valentine (8-4) at Newcastle 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Sep.
Sporting Gold (IRE) 11-10fav (9-4) Held up in rear, pushed along over 2f out, kept on final furlong, no impression, 4th of 6, 5l behind Jakey (9-2) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Arizona John (IRE) 16-1 (9-1) Held up in touch, weakened over 2f out, moderate 4th, 4th of 5, 23l behind Spes Nostra (9-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Mar.
Future Security (IRE) 7-2fav (8-13) Held up towards rear, effort over 2f out, never dangerous, 6th of 9, 10l behind Villa Royale (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Mar.
