held up in rear, ridden halfway, never dangerous
close up, ridden halfway, soon weakened
held up in rear, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on one pace
soon led, cleared over 4f out, ridden 2f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong
chased leader until over 2f out
mid-division, improved to chase leader over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
broke well, soon held up, pushed along halfway, headway 2f out, ridden and soon chased leader, led inside final furlong, ran on
This looks an interesting handicap with the likes of last time out winners Tamagin and Sigismundus representing solid recent form along with Garstang, who now looks to be in the grip of the handicapper, but the vote goes to Sands of Barra. The selection was given a break after winning over course and distance in December but made an encouraging return last week behind Rebellion and, with improvement to come for that run, he looks worth a bet. Hits Only Jude has still yet to win a race but looks to be going the right way; however, he has yet to prove his ability over seven furlongs so may be best watched. Musical Guest and Go Figure lack a recent run, while Garstang seems to be in the grip of the handicapper now. Tamagin and Sigismundus have more to do than when winning last time and preference is for Sands of Barra, who holds solid claims.
Musical Guest (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Chased leaders stands side, lost place over 2f out, soon ridden and weakened, 18th of 21, 41l behind Ordnance Row (9-6) at Doncaster 7f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Nov.
Hits Only Jude (IRE) 5-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden and not clear run over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 2nd of 13, 1/2l behind Ocean of Dreams (9-7) at W'hampton 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Sands of Barra (IRE) 13-2 (8-6) Held up, headway over 2f out, kept on, not reach leaders, 5th of 10, 3l behind Rebellion (8-8) at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp (4) pol.
Tamagin (USA) 6-1 (8-10) Made all at good pace, ridden clear over 1f out, ran on, won at Lingfield 1m 3yo hcp (5) pol beating Emotive (8-1) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Sigismundus (IRE) 13-2 (8-10) Made all, ridden over 1f out, just held on, won at W'hampton 7f 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan beating Chief Commander (9-5) by a nk, 6 ran.
Garstang 11-2 (9-4) With leader, every chance from over 1f out to well inside final furlong, 5th of 13, 2l behind Ballybeg (9-2) at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Go Figure (IRE) 6-1fav (9-3) In touch on outside, pushed along 3f out, stayed on same pace final 2f, 5th of 17, 4l behind Rubenstar (9-7) at Goodwood 7f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Oct.