tracked leader after 1f, led 2f out, ridden and ran on, comfortable
dwelt, close up in rear, headway to chase clear winner entering final furlong, no threat
led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
keen, tracked leader, ridden and weakened over 1f out
close up in rear, weakened 2f out
BIG BAZ has looked no nearer winning in handicaps despite sliding down the weights but drops in class for this. Bill Muir’s charge is just preferred to Georgian Bay, who also faces an easier task having struggled since winning at Ascot back in July. Michele Strogoff won a claimer earlier this year but has a bit to find at the weights with the selection and the remaining pair have even more on their plates on these terms.
Big Baz (IRE) 8-1 (9-6) Held up towards rear, headway on outside over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 6th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Brigliadoro (9-6) at Kempton 1m hcp (3) pol in Oct.
Georgian Bay (IRE) 25-1 (8-8) Slowly into stride, held up, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 4 3/4l behind Emmaus (8-9) at Leicester 7f hcp (2) gs in Oct.
Michele Strogoff 25-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, chased leader and clear of rest, stumbled 2nd, led approaching 4th until next, chased leaders weakened before 3 out, blundered last, tailed off, 8th of 12, dist behind Ravenhill Road (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mdn stks (5) gs in Oct.
Just Surprise Me (IRE) 20-1 (9-8) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, no impression, 9th of 10, 17 3/4l behind Tricky Dicky (9-9) at Southwell 6f hcp (5) pol in Aug.
Secret Lightning (FR) 8-1 (8-9) In rear, reminders 4f out, never on terms, 7th of 9, 5 1/2l behind Hipz (9-3) at Chelmsford City 7f hcp (6) pol in Apr.