chased leader stand side, led group over 2f out, headed entering final furlong, no extra
slowly into stride, towards rear stand side, headway under pressure over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, towards rear stand side, pushed along halfway, kept on one pace final 2f
chased leader stand side, weakened 2f out
mid-division far side, headway and effort over 1f out, stayed on strongly final furlong, just held
towards rear stand side, never dangerous
chased leaders stand side, effort over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders far side, effort 2f out, one pace final furlong
towards rear stand side, headway under pressure 2f out, led group entering final furlong, kept on
made all far side, all out towards finish
in touch far side, effort over 1f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders far side, weakened over 1f out
led stand side, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch stand side, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division far side, pushed along halfway, never dangerous
towards rear far side, headway and effort over 1f out, kept on one pace
chased leaders far side, weakened over 1f out
in touch stand side, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
A typically competitive renewal of this six-furlong handicap and, not surprisingly several have claims including Law Breaker, Miss George, Steel Blue and Ridgeback but our vote, albeit a tentative one, goes to Artie. Tim Easterby's gelding starts the season on a career low mark, is well drawn in the middle of the field and has the assistance of Kevin Darley. Last year's winner Law Breaker comes here fit and in form from the all-weather, as does recent Lingfield scorer Miss George but (last year excepted) this invariably goes to one who has not been racing on the sand during the winter so Steel Blue may be of more interest. Trainer Richard Whittaker has booked Michael Hills for the ride on the son of Atraf and that takes the eye. Ian Semple's Thirsk maiden winner Ridgeback is less exposed than most and has to be respected along with Endless Summer from the Kevin Ryan stable that has been finding plenty of winner sin recent weeks. A low draw is of concern for him though and, while nothing can be completely ruled out in a race won at 66/1 last year, Artie makes plenty of appeal and gets the nod.