soon steadied into mid-division, headway over 1f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, soon headed, held close home by front pair
held up in touch, ridden over 1f out, ran on to challenge inside final furlong, led towards finish
squeezed out soon after start, held up towards rear, switched right and good headway over 1f out, led narrowly inside final furlong, headed towards finish, ran on
led 2f, chased leader until ridden well over 1f out, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, not quicken, weakened final furlong
prominent, led 8f out, quickened clear well over 1f out until headed inside final furlong, no extra
held up towards rear, took keen hold, stayed on from over 1f out, edged riight inside final furlong, went 4th last strides
soon reached mid-division, effort 2f out, no real impression
slowly away, in rear, ridden over 1f out, never nearer
slowly into stride, in rear, ridden and well beaten well over 1f out
prominent, raced keenly, outpaced 3f out, weakened over 2f out
A much better handicap in which the admirably consistent Desert Vision is narrowly passed over in favour of POYLE MEG. Ralph Beckett's filly took a while to get off the mark but since that maiden win at Nottingham she has won twice and looks progressive. She has a good draw and a 3lb rise in the weights for her latest success may not be enough to halt her progress. Thunderball is in grand form and is considered, as is Mister Green and Desert Vision. King Olav's hurdling form looks solid, Stand Guard is nicely-handicapped and shapes as if a big run is coming, whilst Hawaana and Free Tussy are both consistent course winners. Best In Class has been off for two months but he has an all or nothing profile and whilst warranting respect cannot be truly fancied. Cry Alot Boy seems to run well when neglected in the betting so rule him out at your peril, however the vote is given to Poyle Meg.
Desert Vision 2-1fav (9-10) Held up, headway over 4f out, led 2f out, ridden and hung left over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on but no chance with hard held winner, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Trachonitis (8-12) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Dec.
King Olav (UAE) 16-1 (9-6) Soon tracking leader, led over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 3/4l behind Tinshu (8-10) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Mister Green (FR) 2-1fav (8-13) Held up in rear, ran very wide into straight 2f out, rapid headway over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, headed near finish, 2nd of 8, nk behind Thunderstruck (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Brouhaha 16-1 (8-8) Chased leader to 2f out, weakened quickly, 11th of 13, 9l behind Audemar (8-13) at Kempton 1m hcp (0-90) (3) pol in Jan.
Poyle Meg 8-1 (8-13) Tracked leaders, ridden and headway 1f out, stayed on to lead close home, won at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec beating Mafeking (9-5) by hd, 13 ran.
Thunderball 7-2 (8-11) Tracked leaders, chased leader halfway, every chance over 1f out, ridden to lead just inside final furlong, stayed on, won at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan beating Salient (8-10) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Hawaana (IRE) 9-1 (9-4) In rear, hampered over 4f out, ridden over 1f out driven, ran on to take 3rd final strides, not reached leaders, 3rd of 12, 3l behind Gaily Noble (8-10) at Lingfield 1m hcap (4) pol.
Free Tussy (ARG) 7-1 (9-2) Held up in touch, ridden to chase winner 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 8, 5l behind Thunderstruck (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Cry Alot Boy 25-1 (8-4) Slowly away, well in rear, headway on inside over 1f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Audemar (8-13) at Kempton 1m hcp (0-90) (3) pol in Jan.
Best In Class 7-1 (8-11) Towards rear, never dangerous, 12th of 13, 11l behind Poyle Meg (8-13) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
It's Dubai Dolly 50-1 (8-10) Soon led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 8, 12l behind Mister New York (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f cnd stks (4yo+) (3) pol in Jan.
Stand Guard 12-1 (8-6) Tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 8, 8l behind Vainglory (8-8) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Jan.
