tracked leaders, chased winner 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, headed final strides
keen raced wide, close up, pushed along over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked winner, pushed along 3f out, ridden and weakened entering final furlong, eased
led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, rallied to lead again final strides
in touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken towards finish
keen early, in touch, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and headway entering final furlong, ran on
Metal Man carries 5lb extra for winning at Lingfield last week while This Ones For Fred was beaten off today’s mark having earlier won over 1m6f at Wolverhampton. LIVA can race off a lower mark than when beaten only a neck over track and trip last summer and, having gone well for a long way at Southwell last time, Shaun Lycett’s charge could go close again. Pentimento may prove best of the remainder.
This Ones For Fred (IRE) 6-4fav (9-5) In touch in rear, plenty to do 2f out, ridden and kept on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 6, 4 3/4l behind Eagle One (9-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Ulysses (GER) 80-1 (9-10) In rear, pushed along over 2f out, never a factor, 8th of 10, 15 1/4l behind Gustave Aitch (8-10) at Southwell 2m hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Metal Man (IRE) 3-1 (9-4) Held up off the pace towards rear, headway chasing leaders 5f out, ridden and went 2nd 1f out, closed to lead final 110 yards, readily, won at Lingfield 2m hcp (6) pol in Jan beating Denable (9-7) by 1 1/4l, 12 ran.
Liva (IRE) 5-1 (9-6) Led, pushed along over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 9, 5 3/4l behind Prince Abu (8-12) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Pentimento 16-1 (9-6) Dwelt held up, headway on inner over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 8th of 14, 6 1/2l behind Way Of Life (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Scherbobalob 16-1 (9-3) Held up rear of mid-division, struggling 2f out, 13th of 14, 36 1/2l behind Tazaman (9-5) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp (6) pol in Oct.