in touch in rear, wide and headway 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, faded inside final furlong
led 1f, tracked leaders, ridden to lead inside final furlong, headed final strides
in touch, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, stayed on
dwelt, keen led after 1f, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra
close up, headway entering final furlong, ridden and stayed on to lead final strides
tracked leader, ridden and every chance from over 1f out, not quicken close home
A lack of pace is a worry and most of these will be hoping Glenn Coco attempts to make the running once again. ALMUFTI finally won a handicap when producing a late surge from off the pace to score at Lingfield last month. Another bold bid is expected if the race is run to suit. Swiss Cheer won nicely over track and trip despite racing wide but is upped in class and raised 8lb but Rangali Island beat Samphire Coast at Kempton in November and the latter has subsequently won over course and distance. Merchant Of Venice will be sharper for last month’s reappearance and is not out of this either in an open contest.
Almufti 7-2fav (9-6) Held up towards rear, headway entering final furlong, ridden and ran on to lead towards finish, won at Lingfield 1m hcp (4) pol in Dec beating Delicate Kiss (9-1) by 1 1/4l, 10 ran.
Glenn Coco 7-2 (9-2) Tracked leaders, driven 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 4th of 6, 2 1/4l behind Power Link (9-6) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (3) pol in Nov.
Merchant Of Venice 13-2 (9-6) Held up towards rear, headway under pressure over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong, 5th of 11, 2 1/4l behind Northernpowerhouse (9-0) at Newcastle 7f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
Samphire Coast 6-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, effort over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, 3rd and held towards finish, 3rd of 6, 1l behind Strawberry Jack (9-5) at Chelmsford City 1m hcp (4) pol in Jan.
Rangali Island (IRE) 11-8fav (9-7) Held up towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, no impression, 9th of 10, 5 3/4l behind Normal Norman (9-4) at Kempton 1m hcp (4) pol in Dec.
Swiss Cheer (FR) 12-1 (9-4) Held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on well, won at Chelmsford City 1m hcp (5) pol in Nov beating Squelch (9-5) by 2 1/2l, 15 ran.