slowly into stride, held up in rear, ridden on outside over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 3rd near finish, never able to challenge
soon led, clear 2f out, ridden out final furlong, unchallenged
held up 7th, headway on inside over 2f out, went 3rd under pressure inside final 2f, faded final furlong
took keen hold early, soon settled in 3rd place, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, held up in 5th, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never able to challenge
held up in 6th, ridden on outside over 2f out, soon beaten
tracked leaders in 4th, under pressure over 2f out, soon beaten
soon tracking winner, ridden over 2f out, soon no impression, kept on for clear 2nd
ART MAN has slipped to a nice mark and may be able to take advantage in a tight handicap where Ocean Legend and Faithful Ruler should play a part. The selection has been struggling to recapture his best form but he may just have needed his latest start as it was his first since January. He has slipped to a mark that's a pound lower than the one from which he scored just over a year ago at this track and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back. Aviso has to be given the obligatory market check but stronger claims are held by the consistent pair Totally Focussed and Ocean Legend but both look to be held by the handicapper at present. Princely Hero is also fairly exposed but he hasn't had too many starts for his current yard and could find a little more for his first try here. Pegasus Again was behind Totally Focussed on his penultimate start but may be able to reverse the placings over this longer trip. Faithful Ruler has been a commendably consistent performer and merits respect given that he comes into the race in form but Art Man could have too much firepower if back in top form.
Princely Hero (IRE) 14-1 (8-13) Held up, edged left over 4f out, ridden over 3f out, headway on inside over 2f out, plugged on, 3rd of 9, 5l behind Intabih (9-3) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.
Soccerjackpot (USA) 10-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, last of 10, 11l behind Internationaldebut (9-2) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Dec.
Totally Focussed (IRE) 9-1 (8-4) Slowly into stride, in rear, ridden and wide into straight 2f out, never dangerous, 6th of 7, 6l behind Capricorn Run (8-13) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Feb.
Aviso (GER) 9-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, ridden 3f out, soon weakened, last of 10, 20l behind Exit Smiling (7-11) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Feb.
Art Man 10-1 (8-5) Held up in touch, some headway halfway, soon beaten, 9th of 11, 8l behind Abbondanza (9-2) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-100 (2) pol.
Ocean Legend (IRE) 11-4fav (8-8) Tracked leader, ridden to lead narrowly over 2f out, joined over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, no extra and soon lost 2nd, kept on one pace, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Tous Les Deux (8-9) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb.
Faithful Ruler (USA) 8-1 (8-4) Held up, behind leaders, led over 1f out, driven out, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-90 (3) pol beating Rainbow Mirage (9-3) by 2l, 8 ran.
Pegasus Again (USA) 8-1 (9-2) Led, ridden and pressed 2f out, headed inside final furlong, soon outpaced by winner, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind L'Hirondelle (9-3) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Jan.