tracked leader, ridden to challenge at ommited 3rd last, weakened after next, no chance winner
tracked leader, lost place approaching 7th, soon under pressure, weakened approaching ommited 3 out, behind when pulled up before next
made all, quickened 2 out, soon 15 lengths clear, ran on strongly, very easily (1 hurdle ommited)
held up in touch, headway to chase leader approaching ommited 3rd last, weakened 2 out
took keen hold in rear but in touch, jumped right in places, weakened 2 out, modest 3rd
Official ratings suggest Work In Progress should be another for the Skeltons but he disappointed on similar going at Market Rasen when last seen in November and his best efforts have come on quicker surfaces overall. MCKENZIE'S FRIEND was out of his depth when pulled up in a Grade 2 at Warwick last month but the dual Plumpton winner has less on his plate here and may well bounce back. Raise A Spark is probably in need of a confidence-booster but has ability and is preferred to Expedite on today's terms.
McKenzie's Friend (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Chased leaders on outside, ridden and lost place after 7th, well beaten from 4 out, pulled up after 3 out, at Warwick 2m 5f (1) hvy in Jan.
Expedite (IRE) 16-1 (11-8) In touch, lost place before 5th, behind from 4 out, pulled up after next, at Ascot 2m 6f (3) sft in Jan.
Work In Progress (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) Chased leaders, mistake 7th, hit 3 out, weakened before next, 6th of 10, 24 3/4l behind Sky Khan (11-3) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (2) gs in Nov.
Leg Lock Luke (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) Held up in touch, headway 3 out, weakened next, 7th of 13, 32 3/4l behind Gala Ball (11-4) at Wincanton 1m 7f (4) sft in Jan.
Raise A Spark 16-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, pushed along and headway before 3 out, in 3rd and fell 3 out, at Haydock 2m 3f (4) hvy in Jan.
