tracked leaders, took keen hold, lost place over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, well held over 1f out
soon led, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra towards finish
mid-division, headway over 3f out, kept on inside final furlong
slowly into stride, soon tracking leaders, ridden to lead and edged left over 1f out, stayed on well
held up in rear, headway over 2f out, switched right over 1f out, no impression
held up towards rear, nightmare run from over 4f out until switched right and headway over 1f out, ran on, nearest finish
mid-division, headway over 3f out, not clear run entering final furlong, held after
held up in rear, headway on inside over 2f out, not able to trouble leaders
tracked leader, ridden and every chance when hampered over 1f out, faded inside final furlong
held up towards rear, headway on inside 3f out, weakened inside final furlong
soon tracking leaders on outside, hung left over 3f out, soon weakened
prominent, took keen hold, pushed along over 2f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, not able to trouble winner
Dontpaytheferryman enjoyed a profitable winter, winning four times on the Fibresand at Southwell and over hurdles at Musselburgh in February. Conditions may be a little quick for him today however. Speed Dating didn't take to hurdles and didn't show a lot of enthusiasm on his return to the Flat at Pontefract where he finished behind both Doctor Zhivago and CHANGING THE GUARD. The latter found only Ingleby Spirit too good that day and has to go on the short-list off just a pound higher. Northside Prince found form with a vengeance last summer but races off a new career-high mark on his reappearance and is probably best watched today. Breakheart will strip fitter for his return to action and looks the pick of the remainder.
Charlie Cool 40-1 (9-5) Held up towards rear stands side group, ridden over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, never dangerous, 12th of 22, 14l behind Eton Forever (9-7) at Doncaster 1m hcp (2) gd.
Itlaaq 20-1 (8-8) Dwelt, towards rear, never near leaders, 8th of 11, 9l behind Ingleby Spirit (8-6) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) gf.
Breakheart (IRE) 12-1 (9-5) Mid-division far side group, ridden over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong, 17th of 22, 20l behind Eton Forever (9-7) at Doncaster 1m hcp (2) gd.
Arlequin 5-1 (8-8) In rear, headway on outer over 1f out, ran on final furlong, not reached leaders, 4th of 11, 6l behind Ingleby Spirit (8-6) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) gf.
Destinys Dream (IRE) 6-1 (9-7) Held up in mid-division, headway over 1f out, soon not clear run and switched right, every chance inside final furlong, no extra when lost 2nd post, 3rd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Arizona John (9-0) at Catterick 1m 4f hcp 0-90 (3) gf in Sep.
Northside Prince (IRE) 13-2 (9-2) Led early, mid-division, headway to chase leaders 3f out, pushed along over 2f out, led entering final furlong, headed post, 2nd of 8, shd behind Pendragon (9-4) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Sep.
Changing The Guard 5-2fav (8-4) Chased winner, ridden over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Ingleby Spirit (8-6) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) gf.
Speed Dating 10-1 (8-7) Dwelt in rear, effort on outer over 3f out, no impression final 2f, 7th of 11, 8l behind Ingleby Spirit (8-6) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) gf.
Doctor Zhivago 16-1 (8-6) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 11, 8l behind Ingleby Spirit (8-6) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) gf.
Pass Muster 7-2 (9-4) Slowly into stride, soon tracked leaders, weakened 2f out, 8th of 9, 11l behind Azlak (9-3) at Pontefract 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
Dontpaytheferryman (USA) 2-5fav (9-12) Tracked leaders, driven over 4f out, went 2nd 3f out, switched inside and ridden over 2f out, led over 1f out, stayed on gamely when hard pressed inside final furlong, won at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Jan beating Mediterranean Sea (9-3) by nk, 7 ran.
Embsay Crag 9-2 (9-6) Held up in touch, lost place 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 8, 12l behind Inspirina (8-11) at Chester 1m 3f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jun.
