tracked leaders, pushed along halfway, soon lost place, behind when pulled up before 2 out
always behind, tailed off
held up, never a factor
led 2nd, headed after 2 out, soon weakened
held up in touch, led after 2 out, soon driven clear
held up in touch, ridden before 3 out, soon beaten
soon led, headed 2nd, pushed along half way, weakened before 3 out
always in rear, mistake 3rd, never dangerous
Another tough race to call here for punters with very little between many of the leading lights but the principals look to be Ship's Hill, Marine Life and Noble Ben and the vote is given to Ship's Hill. The selection was a fair third in a better race behind Mohayer on his latest start, looks sure to be suited by this faster ground and he will be hard to beat with his yard continuing in good form. Marine Life rates the main danger as he won in game fashion last time out when beating Primus Inter Pares, but this looks tougher and he looks opposable under his penalty. Noble Ben was slightly dissapointing when a well-backed favourite on his debut but he looks sure to improve and the drop in trip could also help so he should be watched in the market. Crack On is from a yard in form but the suspicion is this former point winner will be seen to better effect over a longer trip in time once handicaped. Of the remainder, Tickford Abbey has conditions to suit and could go well at a price but for the winner we return to Ship's Hill who will be hard to beat.
Marine Life 14-1 (10-12) Led 4th, drew clear 2 out, stayed on well, won at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec beating Primus Inter Pares (10-12) by 4l, 15 ran.
Crack On (IRE) 8-1 (10-7) Mid-division, ridden 7th, soon tailed off, 11th of 12, well behind Armariver (11-5) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Garden Shed Rebel 100-1 (10-4) Held up towards rear, weakened halfway, pulled up over 1f out pulled up in race won by Alternator (11-0) at Warwick 2m nhf (6) hvy in Dec, 19 ran.
Noble Ben (IRE) 13-8fav (11-0) Took keen hold, mid-division, headway 7th, went 2nd and not fluent next, chased winner in vain until weakened approaching 2 out, 5th of 16, well behind Best Actor (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f nh mdn hdl (5) gs in Dec.
Ship's Hill (IRE) 6-4fav (10-12) In touch, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on from next, 3rd of 10, 6l behind Mohayer (11-2) at Haydock 2m nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
Stop The Pigeon 150-1 (10-9) Held up, mistake 2nd, never dangerous, 12th of 15, well behind Marine Life (10-12) at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
That Man Fox 50-1 (10-12) Led, ridden and headed before 8th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Very Special One (10-5) at Huntingdon 3m 2f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Dec, 11 ran.
Tickford Abbey 16-1 (10-13) Soon led, headed over 6f out, every chance over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 4th of 17, 14l behind Sound Accord (11-8) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (6) gs in Dec.
Belvoir Beever (IRE) 33-1 (10-4) In rear, tailed off halfway, virtually pulled up, 13th of 14, well behind Mountain Oscar (11-0) at Towcester 2m nhf (5) sft in Nov.
Lucky Third Time 100-1 (10-10) Towards rear, ridden 7th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Tambourine Davis (10-10) at Taunton 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (3) gd in Nov, 12 ran.
