led early, led again 4f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on same pace
went left start, chased leaders, effort on outside over 1f out, led inside final furlong, headed close home
chased leaders, pulled hard, switched right 2f out, effort over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, 3rd and held towards finish
went left start, soon led, jinked left and headed 4f out, not quicken over 1f out, rallied entering final furlong, stayed on gamely to lead again close home
slightly hampered start, well behind and jockey looking down inside first furlong, closed 4f out, weakened over 1f out
Uncle Jerry won a couple of nurseries last year and was beaten less than a length here last month with previous winner and today’s rival Beleaguerment back in fourth. Another bold bid is expected but further progress looks likely from WEDDING DATE now handicapping for the first time. Richard Hannon’s filly won a novices’ event over course and distance on November’s debut on the all-weather and there should be more to come. Showu remains winless and debuts for new connections while Xtara never figured on his handicap bow and drops back down in trip.
Wedding Date 4-1 (9-7) Keen, chased leader, challenged 2f out, ridden well over 1f out, led 1f out, hung left inside final furlong, ran on well, won at Kempton 6f fll stks (5) pol in Nov beating Painted Dream (9-0) by 1l, 11 ran.
Uncle Jerry 8-1 (9-6) Pulled hard, led, edged left over 5f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on, 3rd of 5, 1/4l behind Shining Armor (9-7) at Kempton 6f (4) pol in Dec.
Beleaguerment (IRE) 7-4 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden and not quicken over 1f out, stayed on final 100 yards, 4th of 5, 1 1/4l behind Shining Armor (9-7) at Kempton 6f (4) pol in Dec.
Xtara (IRE) 13-2 (9-11) Led, headed over 2f out, weakened inside final 100 yards, 5th of 6, 5 1/2l behind Battle Of Wills (9-7) at Newcastle 1m (5) pol in Dec.
Showu 50-1 (8-6) Raced stands side, in touch, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 21st of 28, 16l behind Lorton (8-4) at Newmarket 6f stks (2) gs in Oct.