tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace
mid-division, headway from 3f out to have every chance 2f out, one pace final furlong
close up, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon beaten
behind and raced keen, ridden and beaten over 4f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no impression
led until after 3f, soon weakened, tailed off from halfway
mid-division, every chance over 2f out, ridden and weakened inside final furlong
in touch, ridden and tailed off from over 4f out
tracked leaders and led after 3f, headed 3f out, weakened 2f out
towards rear, smooth headway to lead 2f out, soon ridden and ran on well
held up, headway 2f out to chase winner, soon one paced
Little to go on for us in this bumper, where Doc Wells looks best of those to have seen the racecourse, but it is debutants King Penda, Monsieur Sub and CHICAGO OUTFIT who are of more interest and we will side with Howard Johnson's runner. The selection is likely to have been well prepared for this first run and is a half-sister to Storm Damage, who was very useful from two miles up to three. The ground is likely to suit and we will tentatively side with him. King Penda cost more than the selection and is related to 1m 5f flat winner and two mile hurdles winner Some Steed. Pedigree suggests that good ground will be ideal and with the yard in some form he can go very well. Monsieur Sub is another well related gelding and he should get plenty further than this in time. Alan Swinbank has carved his own niche in this sphere and his runner is much respected. Si Bien did not really improve as expected last time, while Barron Watlass has conditions to suit and should be able to show more than last time. Even so Doc Wells probably produced the best piece of public form with his most recent outing, though he looks vulnerable to the newcomer Chicago Outfit.
Barron Watlass (IRE) 12-1 (11-2) Led, driven approaching 2f out, stayed on final furlong, headed near finish, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Cocoa Key (11-2) at Doncaster 2m nhf (6) gd in Feb.
Bogside (IRE) Commander Collins gelding out of Miss Henrietta.
Doc Wells (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, kept on same pace from over 2f out, 4th of 15, 13l behind Lightening Rod (10-0) at Doncaster 2m nhf (5) gs in Feb.
Harrys Double (IRE) 18-1 (10-11) In rear, soon lost touch, never dangerous, 12th of 16, 45l behind Bishops Heir (10-7) at Newcastle 2m nhf (6) hvy in Jan.
King Penda (IRE) Presenting gelding out of Peacock Feather.
Monsieur Sub (FR) Subotica gelding out of Dame De Chaillot.
Northern Dusk (IRE) Dushyantor gelding out of Dalkey Pride.
Surely Blue (IRE) 50-1 (10-8) Led, headed over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 8, 21l behind Alvarado (10-10) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (5) gf.
Chicago Outfit (IRE) Old Vic gelding out of Lambourne Lace.
Kinharvie Alflora mare out of Dalbeattie.
Molly Moss 33-1 (10-12) Prominent, weakened halfway, 9th of 10, well behind Brackenmoss (11-2) at Hexham 2m mrs nhf (6) hvy in Nov.
Si Bien (FR) 5-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, some headway over 3f out, soon ridden, never on terms, 5th of 8, 35l behind Sitting Tennant (11-2) at Newcastle 2m nhf (6) hvy in Feb.
Storm Brig Heron Island gelding out of The Storm Bell.
Lilla Sophia 33-1 (10-1) Held up, lost place over 3f out, 4th of 13, 24l behind Roses (10-1) at Catterick 2m mrs nhf (6) gd.
Arctic Court (IRE) Arctic Lord gelding out of Polls Joy.
