behind, kept on from over 1f out, not troubled leaders
tracked leader 5f, stayed prominent, one pace final 2f
steadied start, soon in touch, led 3f out, stayed on well
in rear, well behind over 2f out, tailed off
towards rear, headway to chase winner over 1f out, kept on until lost 2nd close home
prominent, ridden over 2f out, kept on until weakened final furlong
towards rear, headway on outer over 1f out, stayed on final furlong to take 2nd close home
mid-division, stayed on well from over 1f out, not reach leaders
led to 3f out, stayed in touch until weakened over 1f out
prominent, chased winner 2f out, no extra approaching final furlong
Macaroni Gold can beat the topweight Big Bertha, with Solomon's Mine and Nawow expected to make their presence felt as well. Macaroni Gold has really come to himself this winter, scoring at Southwell in December, with decent seconds posted either side. Although he encounters a faster surface here, Willie Jarvis's charge has run well on it before, and as long as they go a decent clip, bringing his stamina into play, he can see off the challenge of the topweight Big Bertha. The latter made a gallant bid to concede nearly two stone to Paradise Flight here last time but found the burden just too much, and although she should again be in the shake-up, John Berry's seven-year-old has it to do. Solomon's Mine has struggled since returning to the all-weather, but at least has the trip in his favour now, while Nawow needs strong handling judged on the way he hung last time here. However, he is a decent dual-purpose performer on his day and should not be ruled out entirely. Stance is a real out-and-out stayer who will need the run today, but he has taken on far better company in the past and should be noted if put back over hurdles soon. With Neil Callan in the plate here though, it is Macaroni Gold who gets the vote.
Big Bertha 9-1 Held up in rear, headway 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Paradise Flight at Lingfield 2m hcp (E3) pol in Jan.
Garden Society (IRE) 7-1 Held up in rear, pushed along and no impression over 3f out, 10th of 12, 4l behind The Violin Player at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp (D2) pol.
Orthodox 50-1 Held up in rear, well behind final 2f, last of 12, 19l behind The Violin Player at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp (D2) pol.
Nawow 6-1 Hung left throughout, led early, prominent until lost place over 6f out, no chance after, 8th of 14, 12l behind Cold Turkey at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp (D2) pol in Jan.
Tomina 9-1 Always behind, tailed off final 6f, 11th of 13, well behind Stoop To Conquer at Newbury 2m hcp (D2) sft in Oct.
Theatre (USA) 66-1 Prominent, joined leaders 6f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 13th of 34, 7l behind Contact Dancer at Newmarket 2m 2f hcp (B1) sft in Oct.
Macaroni Gold (IRE) 11-4fav Prominent, led over 2f out, hung left and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 12, nk behind King Flyer at Southwell 2m hcp (E3) fbs in Jan.
Solomon's Mine (USA) 16-1 Led 1f, tracked winner after, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 8, 7l behind Danelor at Southwell 1m 3f hcp (D2) fbs.
