led, pushed along over 3f out, headed over 2f out, one pace
held up towards rear, behind final 5f, tailed off
keen early, tracked leader until over 3f out, ridden and slightly outpaced over 2f out, stayed on to go 2nd inside final furlong, eased briefly, lost 2nd post
tracked leaders, moving into 2nd on bit when not clear run and switched left 2f out, led over 1f out, soon ridden, quickened clear final furlong
mid-division, headway 5f out, outpaced over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up in mid-division, headway 8f out, went 2nd over 3f out, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace, lost 2nd inside final furlong, regained 2nd post
held up in rear, took keen hold, headway over 7f out, lost place over 4f out, tailed off
held up towards rear, took keen hold, headway 7f out, lost place 5f out, tailed off
Another of those watch the market races to end matters and in the absence of it, VANNIN is likely to be popular in the nightcap with Smithy The Horse and Rupert Lamb the dangers. The selection has had two starts thus far and while jumping was not on the agenda for his breeders, he has acquitted himself relatively well in those bumpers and should have no problems in relation to the likely going. Smithy The Horse was a relatively cheap purchase compared to some of the recent inmates to arrive at Donald McCain's yard. Related to a number of six furlong and one mile performers on the level - it is a surprise to see him here. Rupert Lamb is from a family that have been prolific with their bumper performers. His dam is a half-sister to Byron Lamb and the father, Central Park, should give a middle distance flat influence through his bloodline. Bitter Blue is bred to be better with time. He was far from disgraced at Southwell on the fibresand when the market was notably quiet. Arkas is something of a rare bird over this trip given that his sire was the six furlong speedster, Rambling Bear. Dark Primrose has not shown a great deal in two starts whilst Jersey Boys is partnered by a stylish 10lb claimer and any market interest would be unsurprising. James Hetherton seldom has runners in bumpers so Leolene Starlight attempts to arrests what is a statistically modest record for the Malton based handler. Vannin has set the standard so far and is likely to be priced accordingly.
Bitter Blue (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Held up, ridden over 5f out, stayed on final 2f, went 3rd near finish, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Brackloon High (11-9) at Southwell 2m NH flat (4) std in Jan.
Kylaardon 200-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, weakened over 5f out, 11th of 16, well behind Willie Hall (10-11) at Newcastle 2m mdn NH flat (6) gs in Nov.
Leolene Starlight Sugarfoot mare out of Greyhill Lady.
Jersey Boys 5-1fav (11-0) Held up, headway over 3f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 10l behind Reverend Green (10-7) at Southwell 1m 6f 4yo nhf (4) std in Jan.
Rupert Lamb Central Park gelding out of Charlotte Lamb.
Smithy The Horse (IRE) Kris Kin gelding out of Priyanka.
Vannin (IRE) 9-4fav (10-4) Soon prominent, led over 2f out, soon ridden, headed 1f out, kept on final f, not pace of winner, 2nd of 16, 3 1/2l behind Carpincho (11-1) at Catterick 2m mdn NH flat (6) sft in Jan.
Arkas Rambling Bear filly out of Adar Jane.
Dark Primrose 66-1 (10-5) Mid-division, pushed along over 4f out, soon weakened, 7th of 14, 18l behind Bold Sir Brian (10-12) at Ayr 1m 6f 3yo nhf (5) sft in Dec.
Nipper Nial Overbury gelding out of Pinch.
