tracked leader, led 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed towards finish, no extra
slowly into stride, held up in rear, ridden inside final furlong, one pace
in touch, tracked leaders over 3f out, ridden 1f out, stayed on to lead post
led, headed 2f out, weakened 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden inside final furlong and every chance, no extra towards finish
held up towards rear, headway 1f out, stayed on to lead towards finish, caught post
Just six turn out for this handicap and it represents a fine opportunity for HANDSOME CROSS to gain reward for a string of solid efforts, with Rondeau and Whiskey Junction put forward as the likely dangers. Willie Musson's nine-year-old is 9lbs higher than when he last won on New Years Eve. That effort was over course and distance and three solid seconds since have confirmed he remains fairly treated, so with little in the way of strong opposition he rates a bet at the likely odds. Rondeau is a talented enough sort for the grade but the absence of pace here is a concern,as this trip is on the sharp side and he'll need an end-to-end gallop to score. That said, the gelding is consistent enough and remains handicapped to oblige at some point and if they do go fast he'll fly home and pose a threat in the closing stages. Whiskey Junction is a rather speculative addition to the shortlist having not been seen since October. The six-year-old has won off higher marks over course and distance and is back down to his last winning mark of 75, so providing he's fit for this return - the booking of Seb Sanders increases hope he will be - then a big run can be expected. He's preferred to Fromsong who lacks the scope for progression of his rival and is entering the closing stages of a profitable career. Thoughtsofstardom needs things to drop right and may be better at five furlongs anyway, whilst Vintage looks in need of help from the handicapper at present. This is less than competitive and provides Handsome Cross with a winning opportunity once more.
Whiskey Junction 14-1 (8-11) Prominent, hard ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out, 13th of 17, 5l behind Even Bolder (8-0) at Ascot 5f app hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Oct.
Rondeau (GR) 7-2 (9-2) Dwelt in mid-division, effort on inside over 1f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 10, 3l behind Sarah's Art (9-4) at Lingfield 7f hcap (5) pol.
Vintage (IRE) 33-1 (8-6) Keen, tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, gradually weakened final furlong, 10th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Autumn Blades (10-1) at Kempton 7f hcp (0-90) (3) pol in Jan.
Thoughtsofstardom 20-1 (7-11) Took keen hold, tracked leader, not quicken over 1f out, lost 2nd entering final furlong, no extra, 4th of 6, 5l behind Lord Of The Reins (8-6) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Fromsong (IRE) 9-1 (9-1) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on, 2nd of 10, 1 1/4l behind Secret Witness (9-4) at Kempton 6f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.
Handsome Cross (IRE) 7-2fav (8-8) Mid-division, headway 2f out, soon switched left, every chance inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 10, nk behind Perlachy (8-7) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
