tracked leaders, led 3 out, ridden clear approaching last
tracked leaders, towards rear 3rd, weakened approaching 3 out
chased leaders, went 2nd approaching 2 out, ridden approaching last, soon weakened
led to 3 out, soon weakened
held up in rear, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, outpaced approaching 2 out, chased winner last, no impression
tracked leaders, hit 5th, outpaced 3 out, stayed on strongly from last
held up, hit 4th, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
An exciting race and MAHONIA is our pick with Clay Hollister and Dee EE Williams put up as the alternatives. Any overnight rain would suit Paul Nicholls charge and while he does have to bounce back from a rare reverse at Cheltenham, it would be folly to write him off on the basis of one modest run. Clay Hollister won readily at Sandown Park in December. The manner of victory was more impressive than it reads in the formbook as the race had followed a 22-month absence. Dee EE Williams is a giant of a horse and he kept on gamely to chase home McDermit last time out. He is useful though might need a strong gallop in order to be at his best. Alfie Flits was smart on the level though the BHA figures suggest he has a bit to find on this occasion. Son Of Flicka has latent ability. He has bombed easier opportunities than this but Donald McCain is not one to put up fanciful entries. McMurrough attempts to graduate out of bumper company. Signalman is proven on the going but this is a steep rise up in grade. Mahonia is the selection.
Alfie Flits 12-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, every chance after 3 out, soon ridden, one pace from next, 6th of 8, 10l behind Medermit (11-7) at Ascot 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gs in Dec.
Clay Hollister 9-4fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, hit 4th, led 2 out, clear before last, very easily, won at Sandown 2m nh nov hdl (3) gs in Dec beating Quiver Hill (11-0) by 13l, 14 ran.
Dee Ee Williams (IRE) 3-1fav (11-7) Close up, went 2nd after 5th, led 2 out, soon ridden, headed flat, rallied gamely, just held, 2nd of 8, shd behind Medermit (11-7) at Ascot 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gs in Dec.
Mahonia (IRE) 8-11fav (11-8) Tracked leaders, led approaching last, headed soon after, one pace, 2nd of 9, 9l behind Karabak (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f nh nov hdl (2) gs in Dec.
Signalman 11-10fav (11-5) Led to 3 out, no extra when headed, 4th of 11, 10l behind Prince De Beauchene (11-6) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft.
Son Of Flicka 7-4 (10-12) Prominent, ridden approaching 2 out, led approaching last, driven out, won at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec beating Fiendish Flame (10-9) by 1 1/2l, 15 ran.
McMurrough (IRE) 11-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, head run outside 8f out, pushed along over 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 12, 12l behind Shinrock Paddy (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m nhf lst (1) sft in Nov.
Opera Writer (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway 5th, ridden and effort 2 out, kept on same pace, 6th of 16, 7l behind Impeccable Guest (9-12) at Catterick 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gs in Nov '06.
