mid-division, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
mid-division, ridden and headway to chase leaders approaching 3 out, kept on one pace from next
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance 3 out, kept on, no extra from last
tracked leaders, smooth headway to lead approaching 3 out, driven from next and ran on well
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, soon beaten
led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened
virtually refused to race and never on terms, pulled up before 3 out
prominent until ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
We can't see too many of these getting into it and those under consideration include Diktatorial, Fortunate Isle, Modicum and Make A Mark and we take the latter to score. Graham Lee's mount left all previous form behind when chasing home Purple Moon here last time and we should have an indicator as to his chances with that opponent having turned out in the previous race on this card. He jumped well that day and looked like he enjoyed things much more, and with Lee again up we will side with him as a bit of value against the likely favourite Fortunate Isle. Richard Fahey's charge is rated in the 80s on the flat and so will be at the top of many people's shortlist here. However, a 13 length Catterick defeat on his only hurdles start does not suggest it would be wise to take a short price here and we will oppose. Diktatorial is rated of similar ability on the flat but it has been a long time between drinks for the gelding and we will take him on on this, his hurdling debut, as any sort of value is unlikely. Modicum is bred to jump and has done well thus far, though just seems to find one too good. The same fate may befall him here because we take Make A Mark to do just that and score.
Diktatorial 20-1 (8-11) Pulled hard, held up in rear, never nearer, 7th of 13, 8l behind Millville (9-9) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcap (3) pol in Oct (Flat).
Fortunate Isle (USA) 11-8 (10-12) Held up in touch, ridden to chase winner approaching 2 out, one pace from last, 3rd of 16, 13l behind Pevensey (10-9) at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Make A Mark (IRE) 40-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, led after 3 out, headed flat, one pace, 2nd of 12, 3l behind Purple Moon (10-7) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Jan.
Modicum (USA) 11-2 (10-13) Mid-division, headway to lead 2 out, headed flat, not pace of winner, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Pevensey (11-10) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (3) gs in Jan.
Notre Cyborg (FR) 66-1 (10-9) Held up and keen, headway approaching 4th, 9 lengths down in 4th and weakening when fell 2 out in race won by Pevensey (10-9) at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec, 16 ran.
The Weaver (FR) 50-1 (11-0) Led, hit and headed 9th, soon ridden and weakened, 7th of 15, 42l behind Merrymaker (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gd in Dec.
Gothebug Gothenberg mare out of the winning pointer Midge.
Miss Morelli (IRE) 50-1 (10-9) Hit 1st, always towards rear, 8th of 13, 36l behind So Cloudy (11-5) at Musselburgh 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Soho Square 40-1 (10-12) Always behind, tailed off from 5th, last of 9, well behind Storm Prospect (10-12) at Ayr 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Star of The Desert (IRE) 66-1 (10-7) Always towards rear, 7th of 14, 34l behind Pevensey (11-10) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (3) gs in Jan.
Phone Tapping 100-1 (10-7) Mid-division, weakened 4 out, 17th of 20, well behind Up Above (11-2) at Ayr 2m nov hdl (E) sft in Dec '05.
