tracked leading pair, pushed along over 2f out, no headway over 1f out, lost 3rd towards finish
soon steadied rear in slowly run race, closer on inside 2f out, kept on into 3rd towards finish, never able to challenge
steadied start, took keen hold and soon held up in 4th in steadily run race, effort on inside over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
made all, set slow pace, pushed along and quickened tempo over 2f out, stayed on strongly, unchallenged, good ride
History Writer looks up against it but a case can be made for all of the remainder. Animal Instinct drops back down a grade and is preferred to last week’s runner-up at Southwell, Eagleway. Imperial Command found only one too good at Newcastle a fortnight ago but UZINCSO (NAP) looks to have the stronger form. John Butler’s charge finished third over track and trip last time and should make a bold bid given the runner-up United Front has subsequently landed a double in higher grade races than this.
Uzincso 7-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden under 2f out, ran on well, not pace of front pair, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Chance (9-9) at Kempton 1m hcp (3) pol in Nov.
Imperial Command (IRE) 14-1 (9-10) Tracked leaders, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 2nd post, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Alexander James (9-7) at Newcastle 1m hcp (3) pol in Dec.
Eagleway (FR) 15-2 (10-1) Held up in 5th on inside, headway chasing leaders 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Masked Identity (9-9) at Southwell 1m hcp (4) pol in Dec.
History Writer (IRE) 28-1 (9-10) Steadied start, never closer than mid-division, 10th of 12, 5 1/2l behind Bake (8-11) at Doncaster 1m hcp (3) gd in Aug.
Animal Instinct 20-1 (8-2) Chased winner until ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 7, 4 1/4l behind Lord Of The Lodge (9-7) at Newcastle 7f hcp (2) pol in Dec.