made all, driven out
chased leaders, ridden to chase winner approaching 2f out, kept on, always held
in rear, chased leading pair well over 1f out, one pace
held up, effort 2f out, kept on
chased winner until ridden approaching 2f out, soon weakened
Nonrunner
BLUE TOMATO is the pick with Epic Odyssey and Secret Dubai the alternatives. The selection did not appear totally at home at Southwell as having been settled in last place, he became embroiled in the sizeable kickback of the fibresand. On this easier surface, he should be capable of returning to something like his normal form and can repay losses accrued last week. Epic Odyssey was a maiden winner for Ger Lyons in Ireland. Now in the care of Jim Boyle, he was far from disgraced behind Matsnosuke at Great Leighs last month. Secret Dubai represents a yard that is enjoying a tremendous strike rate of late. Cheekpieces join a tongue-tie in the quest for first time glory. Brandywell Boy has to be respected as a previous course-and-distance winner. The figures suggest Firestone to be up against it whilst Elusive Ronnie has to put a disappointing run at Lingfield behind him. Blue Tomato is the pick.
Epic Odyssey 11-2 (8-6) Led, ridden, headed 1f out, not pace of winner, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Matsunosuke (9-3) at Great Leighs 6f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Jan.
Blue Tomato 7-2 (8-6) Held up in rear, ridden along halfway, ran on final furlong, 2nd of 4, 1 1/2l behind Grimes Faith (8-9) at Southwell 5f clm (6) fbs.
Brandywell Boy (IRE) 33-1 (7-13) Very slowly away, ridden halfway, always behind, last of 8, 11l behind Mogok Ruby (8-9) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Flamestone 3-1fav (8-12) Dwelt in rear, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on to go 4th inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 5l behind Jessica Wigmo (8-11) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Elusive Ronnie (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Chased leading pair, soon ridden along, kept on one pace final 2f, 3rd of 5, 7l behind Woodcote (9-7) at Lingfield 5f sll (6) std.
Secret Dubai (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Raced wide, held up, ridden on outside over 2f out, never reached leaders, 5th of 10, 5l behind Last Sovereign (9-4) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.