chased leaders, wide home turn, went 2nd and ran on inside final furlong, finished well, not reach winner
outpaced in last pair, headway on inside over 1f out, never nearer
started very slowly and awkwardly away, well adrift, headway when not clear run and switched right inside final furlong, ran on well between horses towards finish, unlucky
chased leaders on outside, wide home turn, ridden and every chance 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
chased leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on, all out (hand time)
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
SWOOPER opened his account last week with a convincing win at Chelmsford. He beat four of these in the process and another bold bid is expected. Mehmo and Apache Mist filled the places behind the selection with Marta Boy and Friday further behind, though the latter was hampered and may well prove the main threat today. Hotalena ran well in a claimer at Wolverhampton last time and looks best of the remainder.
Expert Opinion 11-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, effort 2f out, no extra well inside final furlong, 4th of 5, 3l behind Jacattack (9-5) at Newcastle 5f hcp (5) pol in Feb.
Bayamon Belle (IRE) 80-1 (8-11) Close up, pushed along 2f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 7, 7 3/4l behind Passionova (8-11) at Lingfield 6f fll stks (5) pol in Feb.
Swooper 18-1 (9-4) Edged right slightly leaving stalls, close-up, nudged to lead before final furlong, cosily, won at Chelmsford City 5f hcp (6) pol in Feb beating Mehmo (9-7) by 1 1/4l, 9 ran.
Marta Boy 5-2jfav (9-7) Driven to lead 4f out, pushed after 2f out, soon ridden and headed, kept on one pace, 5th of 9, 4 1/4l behind Swooper (9-4) at Chelmsford City 5f hcp (6) pol in Feb.
Mehmo (IRE) 5-2jfav (9-7) Raced keenly in midfield, pushed before 2f out, ridden after 2f out, stayed on well behind comfortable winner, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Swooper (9-4) at Chelmsford City 5f hcp (6) pol in Feb.
Hotalena 4-1 (8-2) Pressed leader, led 4f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Mops Gem (8-2) at Wolverhampton 6f stks (6) pol in Feb.
Apache Mist 50-1 (8-13) Edged left leaving stalls, close-up, pushed 2f out, edged right before ridden after 2f out, stayed on well at the finish, 3rd of 9, 4l behind Swooper (9-4) at Chelmsford City 5f hcp (6) pol in Feb.
Friday 18-1 (8-12) Midfield, pushed 2f out, staying on when short of room inside final furlong, kept on, 6th of 9, 4 1/4l behind Swooper (9-4) at Chelmsford City 5f hcp (6) pol in Feb.