took keen hold, chased leaders, closed over 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, led 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, headed towards finish
led, pushed along 2f out, ridden and headed 1f out, no extra towards finish
held up in last, took keen hold, headway over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, ran on, led towards finish
slowly into stride, soon chasing leader, pushed along 3f out, hung left and lost 2nd over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
VENTUROUS won a decent handicap over the minimum trip here last time. Equally effective over this extra distance, he edges Judicial at the weights. The latter has undergone wind surgery after a below-par effort at Wolverhampton but the Listed winner is not out of this if back to his best and is preferred to Mehmento, who faces a tough task on these terms. Ex Gratia returned the impressive winner of a novices race at Southwell and takes her chance at this much higher level.
Judicial (IRE) 11-2 (9-6) Midfield, ridden over 2f out, no extra, 5th of 6, 6 1/2l behind Soldier's Minute (9-3) at Wolverhampton 6f stks (2) pol in Dec.
Mehmento (IRE) 7-2 (8-13) Made all and set steady pace, ridden inside final furlong, soon edged left, strongly pressed close home, all out, won at Southwell 7f hcp (2) pol in Jan beating Stone Soldier (9-2) by hd, 5 ran.
Venturous (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Chased leaders early, dropped to last but in touch after 1f, waiting for room 2f out, switched right from under 2f out and in the clear entering final 1f, quickened to challenge well inside final furlong and soon led, going away at line, readily, won at Newcastle 5f stks (2) pol in Jan beating Mondammej (9-0) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Ex Gratia 3-1 (9-9) Went left start, chased leaders, headway out wide 2f out, led over 1f out, came clear final furlong, easil, won at Southwell 6f stks (5) pol in Jan beating Olympic Eagle (8-12) by 5 1/2l, 8 ran.
