held up in last trio, weakened after 4 out
in touch, headway 4 out, chasing leaders when left in 2nd next, soon ridden to challenge, kept on same pace
prominent, led after 4 out, fell next
in touch, headway to chase leaders when hampered 3 out, soon weakened and pulled up before next
in rear when blundered and unseated rider 4 out
tracked leader led after 4th, headed after 4 out, left in lead again next, drew clear before last, easily
held up, headway 5 out, chased leaders next, weakened after 3 out, behind when pulled up before next
led until after 4th, remained prominent, mistake 4 out, no extra after 2 out
held up in rear, headway 4 out, stayed on into 3rd 2 out, never a threat
Man Of The North was much improved last time but matters are confused by the step back up in trip after the trainer's representative explained that the recent improvement was due to a drop in distance. One thing for sure is that he will handle testing conditions and he's definitely shortlisted. Sabbathical is potentially well treated after looking much more like it the last day and remains lightly-raced and open to progression but DREWMAIN LEGEND brings a solid and consistent level of form to the table and has been left on the same mark after a sound effort when last seen in a better race at Newbury. Vereina looked in the handicapper's grip last time and the unexposed Thoor Castle may well emerge as a stronger player.
Over Stated (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Raced keenly, held up in touch, fell 3rd, at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Dec.
Thoor Castle (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Held up in mid-division on inside, good headway tracking leaders before 7th, went 3rd soon after, pushed along and one pace before 2 out, no chance with 1st 2, 3rd of 12, 8 1/2l behind Cill Anna (10-12) at Warwick 2m 5f (4) sft in Dec.
Ventura Dragon (IRE) 6-1 (11-7) Held up in mid-division, headway after 4 out, every chance 3 out, jumped right and not fluent 2 out, soon beaten, pulled up and dismounted flat, at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Drewmain Legend 3-1jfav (10-7) Chased leaders, hit 3 out, 3rd and one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 12, 5 1/4l behind Fair Kate (10-10) at Newbury 2m hcp (3) sft in Dec.
Vereina 7-4jfav (11-12) Tracked leaders, effort 7th, pushed along before 3 out, one pace next, no extra flat, 5th of 7, 6l behind See Forever (11-10) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (5) hvy in Dec.
Sabbathical (FR) 9-2 (11-8) Chased leaders, ridden and keeping on same pace when not much room approaching last, kept on in 3rd run-in, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind The Tin Miner (11-12) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp (5) sft in Jan.
Man Of The North 14-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, went 2nd before 2 out, edged right approaching last and closed, driven flat, led towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (5) hvy in Dec beating All Good Things (10-13) by 1l, 13 ran.
Mr Fitzroy (IRE) 20-1 (10-0) Chased leaders and pushed along at times, lost place before 7th, stumbled before next, keeping on again in well held 3rd when faltered and went left 2 out, 3rd of 8, 25l behind Jully Les Buxy (11-4) at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
Milan Of Crystal (IRE) 20-1 (10-10) In rear, headway after 7th, plugged on one pace from home bend, 4th of 18, 11 1/4l behind Jamessaintpatrick (11-13) at Warwick 2m 5f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
