slowly into stride, held up towards rear, headway on inside from 2f out, led over 1f out, stayed on well, driven out
led until over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
held up in 6th on inside, headway over 2f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, chased winner after, no impression when lost 2nd last stride
mid-division on outside,headway to lead 2f out, soon edged left, headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
chased leaders, pushed along 3f out, weakened approaching 2f out
slowly into stride, held up in rear, pushed along on outside 3f out, soon struggling
held up towards rear, headway under pressure over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 2nd last stride, no chance with winner
held up towards rear, not clear run from 2f out until over 1f out, not clear run again and switched right inside final furlong, finished well
chased leading pair, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
took keen hold, tracked leader, led over 3f out, headed 2f out, weakened over 1f out
The consistent CARLTON SCROOP is nominated ahead of Alternative Choice and Where's Susie in what looks the weaker of the two divisions of the mile-and-a-half handicaps. Jonathon Jay's gelding lost out by a narrow margin at Lingfield last month on his first run since May and if that run has brought him on even marginally then he should prove hard to beat. He is the most consistent in the race and he can still win off this new mark of 64. Helium's form over hurdles has been poor for some time, Blue Tango also returns to the flat off what could be a favourable mark, whilst Where's Susie comes here in better form but does look a bit one-paced. Alternative Choice was only half a length further back in third when behind the selection at Lingfield last time out, course regular Little Sark needs a market check after a mini-break, whilst Lough Beg and Champagne Fizz both have a bit to prove after their latest runs. Misty Frosty is a bit more consistent, however not as regular as Carlton Scroop who is confidently nominated.
Carlton Scroop (FR) 5-1 (9-5) Tracked leaders, soon with leader, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, under pressure inside final furlong, caught close home, 2nd of 7, shd behind Hucking Hero (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Feb.
Helium (FR) (8-11) 3rd of 5, 6l behind Wild Desert (8-5) at Durtal(FR) 1m 3f 3yo stk gd in Jun '08.
Blue Tango (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, driven along over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, 10th of 16, 12l behind Aine's Delight (8-6) at Windsor 1m 2f 3yo hcp 0-65 (6) gd in Oct.
Where's Susie 10-1 (8-10) Tracked leader, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 4th of 8, 2 1/2l behind Make Amends (9-5) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Feb.
Alternative Choice (USA) 7-1 (9-1) Switched to rail start, held up in rear, headway on inner over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 7, 1l behind Hucking Hero (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Feb.
Broughtons Paradis (IRE) 10-1 (8-4) Steadied start in rear, ridden 2f out, never nearer, 5th of 8, 10l behind Quinsman (8-9) at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Little Sark (IRE) 7-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 12, 15l behind Gargano (9-2) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Jan.
Champagne Fizz (IRE) 16-1 (8-1) In touch, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 14, 11l behind Franco Is My Name (9-0) at Kempton 1m 3f hacp 0-70 (5) pol in Jan.
Lough Beg (IRE) 11-1 (9-0) Held up, headway over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 12, 8l behind Dazzling Begum (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp (0-55) (6) pol in Feb.
Mister Frosty (IRE) 10-1 (8-2) Dwelt, soon tracked leader, led 8f out, riidden 3f out, headed over 1f out, soon one pace, 3rd of 13, 8l behind Bivouac (9-0) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Feb.
