led 1f, tracked leader, led again over 1f out, hard pressed inside final furlong, headed and lost 2 places final strides
slowly into stride, soon chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression final furlong
held up behind, headway 2f out, ridden to chase leader inside final furlong, no extra towards finish and lost 2 places
led after 1f, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on until weakened inside final furlong
started slowly, in rear, headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish
behind, headway and hung left over 1f out, ran on strongly inside final furlong to snatch 2nd in final strides
tracked leaders, every chance over 1f out, no extra and weakened well inside final furlong
in touch, ridden over 2f out, unable to challenge, kept on same pace
took keen hold in mid-division, headway and switched left to inside over 1f out, effort inside final furlong, not quicken final 100 yards
always in rear group, never a factor
towards rear, ridden 3f out, outpaced over 2f out, soon in rear
behind, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out and still plenty to do, strong burst towards finish led, final strides
This is a minefield (from a betting perspective) and Marajaa is only a tentative choice to get the better of the likes of Waterside, Orchard Supreme and Saviours Spirit, who all come here with a live chance on the pick of their best form. It would also be dangerous to rule out a bold show from Tony James now that he has got the benefit of a couple of outings under his belt. The last named won the Gimcrack at York as a two year old and, as this is his first ever try in handicap company, he has to merit respect. Orchard Supreme was held by the selection when they met here last December and, as he is 2lb worse off today, he needs everything to go his way. Saviours Spirit is a tough individual that wins in his turn. Quite whether he will get the gaps in running from stall 12 is the question where he is concerned, as it would take a very good effort from him to prevail. Waterside is holding his form and has been a credit to Gary Moore's team. However, he looks to face an uphill task on these terms and is vulnerable under top weight. Therefore, it can pay to take the value odds likely to be available about Marajaa, who was a shade unlucky here last month. That was in much stiffer company and repeat dose would be good enough if jockey of the moment Brett Doyle can keep him out of trouble this time.
Waterside (IRE) 7-4 (9-5) Led, driven over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 5, shd behind Party Boss (9-2) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-100 (2) fbs.
Humungous (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, soon chased winner, weakened inside final furlong, 11th of 20, 4l behind Pinpoint (9-3) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) gd in Sept.
Orchard Supreme 11-8fav (9-0) Steadied start, held up, not clear run entering final 2f, no impression final furlong, 4th of 5, 4l behind Party Boss (9-12) at Lingfield 1m stk (2) pol.
Ajigolo 14-1 (8-13) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, ran on well, inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Areyoutalkingtome (10-0) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-100 (2) pol.
Moayed 12-1 (8-8) Started slowly, always rear of group, never on terms, 8th of 10, 7l behind Qadar (9-2) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Jan.
Tufton 4-1 (9-5) Tracked leader, led over 1f out, soon ridden, headed just inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 8, nk behind Military Cross (9-5) at Salisbury 7f nov med aut stk (5) gd in Sept '05.
Bomber Command (USA) 7-2 (8-8) Tracked leaders, chased leader 2f out, led over 1f out to inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 9, 1l behind Orchard Supreme (9-3) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Dec.
Tony James (IRE) 33-1 (9-12) Chased winner until 2f out, ridden and weakened final furlong, last of 5, 7l behind Party Boss (9-12) at Lingfield 1m stk (2) pol.
Saviours Spirit 9-2 (8-13) In touch, ridden 2f out, led briefly entering final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Bahamian Pirate (9-4) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-100 (2) fbs.
Marajaa (IRE) 3-1fav (8-4) Prominent, chased leaders and not clear run briefly over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 2l behind Red Spell (9-3) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Jan.
Two Step Kid (USA) 3-1fav (8-9) With leaders, chased leaders approaching 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 8, 11l behind Qadar (9-2) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Jan.
Mafaheem 3-1fav (8-12) Held up, soon chasing leaders, outpaced 3f out, 6th of 8, 13l behind Zomerlust (8-9) at Ripon 6f 3yo hcp (3) gs in Jun '05.
Wavertree Warrior (IRE) 10-1 (7-12) Prominent, ridden to chase leader 3f out, no headway from 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 10, 3l behind Red Spell (9-3) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Jan.
