held up in 3rd, went 2nd over 4f out, no chance with winner final 2f
held up in 4th, ridden and went 3rd 4f out, hung left and struggling final 2f
made all, soon well clear, unchallenged
held up in 5th, never a factor
always behind, struggling from halfway, tailed off
Nonrunner
This is a weak looking claimer and while Cactus King is the highest rated in the field it could be that his mark is a little over in flated so we'll take a chance on WESTERN ROOTS; Benedict Spirit is also given a chance. The selection should find a return to turf on sound going just to his liking and his performance last time out when not beaten too far by a fancied runner from Sir Mark Prescott's stable looked promising after a break. Andrew Balding's runner was going well in better races than this towards the end of last season including winning over this trip at Nottingham. Cactus King is rated six pounds better than the selection but recent efforts have been disappointing. Despite having won over this trip a mile seems more his bag these days with his last attempt over this distance on similar ground ending in him well tailed off albeit in a much better race. Benedict Spirit is a consistent sort who has been holding his form well over the winter. He is likely to be involved again, rated at just pound one below the one we've just mentioned but with his best form coming on fibresand the ground could be a little quick. Ten Pole Tudor is another you could throw into calculations after some decent efforts this winter and he is just as affective on turf but to win it the vote, marginally, goes to Western Roots.
Benedict Spirit (IRE) 9-2 (8-8) Chased leaders, ridden and every chance 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Wabbraan (8-3) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Mar.
Cactus King 14-1 (9-4) Mid-division, ridden and effort over 2f out, not pace to challenge over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong without troubling leaders, 7th of 11, 3l behind Marmooq (8-8) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Mar.
Western Roots 5-4 (8-7) Led until headed over 1f out, soon outpaced by winner, 2nd of 3, 2 3/4l behind Torch Of Freedom (8-11) at Kempton 1m 2f clm stks (6) pol in Mar.
Ten Pole Tudor 33-1 (8-9) Keen in rear, headway to chase leaders over 4f out, ridden 2f out, ran on final furlong, not reached winner, 2nd of 13, nk behind Almahaza (8-13) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Mar.
Looter (FR) 16-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden and lost touch quickly from 3f out, soon beaten, 10th of 11, 18l behind Fairly Honest (9-2) at Kempton 1m 3yo stks (7) pol in Feb.
Flipacoin 50-1 (8-8) Never better than behind mid-division, 8th of 12, 10l behind Whodunit (8-12) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Feb.
Bet Noir (IRE) 8-1 (9-8) Always towards rear, 7th of 14, 7l behind Wunder Strike (8-4) at Kempton 1m 3yo stks (7) pol in Mar.
