chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
keen, held up in rear, ridden, ran on inside final furlong, never nearer
switched to inside soon after start, held up in last place, headway over 1f out, strong run to lead final strides
held up, ridden, headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
raced wide in touch, ridden, weakened well over 1f out
soon led, ridden over 1f out, joined inside final furlong, lost 2nd final strides
close up, went 2nd over 1f out, ridden to join leader inside final furlong, caught final strides
held up, always in rear
keen, chased leader to over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong
close up, ridden 2f out, weakened entering final furlong
Yet another handicap for punters to try and solve, this time involving the sprinters, and Northern Empire is just given the nod over Tartartartufata and Silver Prelude. The Kevin Ryan-trained runner is 4lb higher than when winning over this trip at Kempton last time, is in great form and with Jamie Spencer on board for the first time it looks fair to assume that connections are taking this seriously. Kevin Ryan has said he will only turn them out on the all weather surfaces if they can pay their way and Northern Empire can continue to do that here. Tartartartufata acts here and is weighted to finish very close to the selection so is not ruled out. Maltese Falcon has some smart form in Listed company and races from the same mark as when winning over 6f here in November, though that is probably his best trip. Fyodor and Ebraam look to be just held by the handicapper now, while First Order is no forlorn hope from 5lb higher than when winning at Wolverhampton in December. A really trappy look to this then and Northern Empire can just clinch it.
Maltese Falcon 9-2 (9-9) Slowly into stride, chased leaders halfway, effort over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 2l behind Ebraam (8-1) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec.
Fyodor (IRE) 20-1 (9-1) Settled in rear, headway over 1f out, stayed on to go 3rd inside final furlong, no extra final 100yds, 3rd of 7, 2l behind Orpsie Boy (8-7) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Jan.
Ebraam (USA) 10-3 (8-8) Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 11, hd behind Come Out Fighting (8-8) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Jan.
Northern Empire (IRE) Evensfav (9-4) Raced keenly, tracked leaders, led 1f out, ran on well, pushed out, won at Kempton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan beating Yungaburra (9-4) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Tartatartufata 7-4fav (8-5) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on to lead post, won at Southwell 5f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Jan beating Diminuto (8-4) by a shd, 10 ran.
Silver Prelude 20-1 (9-0) Led, clear halfway, headed well inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Bonus (9-12) at Lingfield 6f stk (3) pol in Jan.
Johnstown Lad (IRE) 6-1 (8-6) Towards rear, headway straight, moderate 4th inside final furlong, kept on into 2nd near finish, 2nd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Finicius (9-12) at Dundalk 6f hcp pol in Dec.
Diane's Choice 5-2 (9-4) Chased leaders, not quicken over 1f out, last of 6, 2 1/2l behind Northern Empire (9-4) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
First Order 4-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, switched right over 2f out, soon ridden, led inside final furlong, ran on well, won at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Dec beating Harry Up (9-6) by 2l, 8 ran.
Magic Glade 16-1 (9-1) Led until headed 1f out, faded inside final furlong, 5th of 6, 1 1/2l behind Northern Empire (9-4) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
