held up last, good headway on inside over 1f out, went 2nd and ran on inside final furlong, led towards finish
chased leader, carried wide on home turn, ridden and lost 2nd inside final furlong, no extra in 3rd
chased leaders, pushed along and outpaced 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led, ran wide on home turn, ridden over 1f out, kept on until headed and no extra towards finish
pushed along in 4th, ridden and no impression over 1f out, weakened final furlong
Reckless Endeavour won at Newcastle last week but is upped in class carrying 4lb extra. Savalas is preferred in this grade after going close at Chelmsford but has done all his winning over the minimum trip so far and MERHOOB makes more appeal. The latter is back on a winning mark and John Ryan’s charge finished in front of Count Otto when placed over course and distance last time. Gracious John also has a shout at this level but is hard to win with off his current mark nowadays.
Merhoob (IRE) 4-1fav (9-11) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase leader entering final furlong, unable to quicken and kept on one pace, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Lady Dancealot (9-7) at Lingfield 6f hcp (3) pol in Dec.
Gracious John (IRE) 7-2jfav (8-7) In rear, never travelling, last of 7, 11 1/4l behind Watchable (8-13) at Lingfield 5f hcp (2) pol in Dec.
Savalas (IRE) 4-1 (8-4) Hampered start, behind, headway and switched right over 1f out, ran on, went 2nd towards finish, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Tawny Port (8-12) at Chelmsford City 5f hcp (2) pol in Jan.
Count Otto (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) In touch, ridden over 1f out, stayed on towards finish, 5th of 7, 2 1/4l behind Fizzy Feet (8-11) at Lingfield 6f hcp (3) pol in Jan.
Reckless Endeavour (IRE) 6-1 (9-0) Towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and headway entering final furlong, ran on to lead towards finish, won at Newcastle 6f hcp (4) pol in Jan beating Wasntexpectingthat (8-13) by 1l, 8 ran.