held up in last place, ridden over 1f out, no impression until driven and ran on towards finish to take 2nd
tracked leader, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
in touch, chased leader over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
led, ridden over 2f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong
SURWAKI can see off Takitwo and Downhill Skier. Robert Cowell's charge has relatively solid handicap form at this level and he comfortably handled a drop in grade to take a recent event at Lingfield. The presence of Jim Crowley is a positive and it would be disappointing were he unable to follow up. Takitwo has two ways of running. Last time out saw a moderate run but he is proven around here. Downhill Skier continues to keep on the go. The former Dermot Weld charge will find life tougher now the handicapper has been able to react to two recent successes. Step It Up is stepped up in trip. Red Rudy finished weakly on his most recent start and may be best avoided at present. Surwaki will prove a tough nut to crack this afternoon.
Downhill Skier (IRE) 7-2 (9-4) Took keen hold and pressed leader, led just over 2f out, stayed on under pressure, no extra when headed inside final furlong, lost 3rd close home, 4th of 11, 4l behind Street Power (9-3) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.
Surwaki (USA) Evensfav (8-13) Tracked leader, quickened to lead 2f out, driven clear inside final furlong, won at Lingfield 1m sll (6) pol in Jan beating Red Current (8-8) by 2l, 8 ran.
Red Rudy 16-1 (8-12) Broke well, soon with leader, lost place approaching final furlong, 7th of 9, 8l behind Interactive (8-12) at Kempton 6f sll (5) pol in Jan.
Takitwo 12-1 (9-2) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, not paced to challenge over 1f out, stayed on one pace, 6th of 11, 7l behind Street Power (9-3) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.
Admirals Way 5-2fav (8-13) Held up, ridden along over 3f out, never dangerous, last of 8, 21l behind Mudhish (9-4) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Step It Up (IRE) 16-1 (9-0) Behind, headway over 1f out, kept on, never able to challenge, 4th of 11, 5l behind Billy Red (8-8) at Great Leighs 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Jan.