tracked leaders, went 2nd 2f out, led inside final furlong, driven out
held up in rear, effort inside final 2f, weakened final furlong
took keen hold, held up in rear, moderate headway final furlong
held up in touch, headway on wide outside 2f out, ran on to take 2nd final 100 yards, closing near finish, not reached winner
dwelt, soon in touch, ridden and weakened over 3f out
pulled hard, tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no impression and lost 2nd final 100 yards
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on one pace final furlong
led, headed over 2f out, soon weakened
Another open handicap to finish with could be a potential minefield for punters, however we will nominate Treasure House as the selection, with Samuel Charles and Magic Warrior just two for the shortlist. The selection has been given a lengthy break since staying on strongly to win at Beverley in September. Stepping up a furlong in trip today looks sure to suit and with his trainer scoring the other day, he could be the answer to this tricky puzzle. Course and distance winner Aggravation is another returning from a break and has claims although his mark of 69 may be a stumbling block, so of more interest could be the race-fit Samuel Charles. His last win came in a weak claimer however so today's tougher company may temper enthusiasm. Golden Spectrum is consistent and has place claims, whilst Slew Charm may need the run after over a year off the track. Magic Warrior's recent efforts have been very respectable so he cannot be discounted, however for the winner we will return to Treasure House.
Samuel Charles 5-1 (9-7) In touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on from over 1f out, 5th of 10, 5l behind Blue Sky Thinking (9-7) at W'hampton 1m 1f clm (5) pol.
Aggravation 12-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 11, 5l behind Parnassian (8-11) at Windsor 1m hcp 0-70 (5) sft in Oct.
Treasure House (IRE) 10-1 (9-3) Towards rear, pushed along halfway, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong to close home, won at Beverley 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Sept beating Orpen Wide (9-2) by 3/4l, 13 ran.
Magic Warrior 5-1 (9-1) Held up rear, headway and switched right over 2f out, ridden to challenge and every chance 1f out, outpaced, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Binnion Bay (8-7) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Mr Velocity (IRE) 9-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 10, 10l behind Fajr (9-4) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Apr.
Golden Spectrum (IRE) 11-1 (8-1) Slowly into stride, held up, ridden over 4f out, headway over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 2l behind Esthlos (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Slew Charm (FR) 18-1 (9-1) Soon behind, 11th of 12, 31l behind Easy Laughter (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Nov '05.
Rafferty (IRE) 20-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 6th of 14, 7l behind Cerebus (8-13) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
