tracked leaders, headway over 2f out, led under 2f out, edged left over 1f out, ran on until pressed well inside final furlong, just held on
disputed lead early, close up after 1f, disputed lead under 3f out, ridden and headed under 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, dropped to 3rd closing stages
disputed lead early, chased leaders after 1f, headway and disputed lead under 3f out, ridden and headed under 2f out, kept on same pace until no extra well inside final furlong
held up in touch, raced freely, pushed along and outpaced 2f out, held entering final furlong, plugged on close home
in touch, raced freely, waiting for room over 2f out, ridden in 4th over 1f out, ran on well final furlong, just failed
disputed lead early, led after 1f, pushed along under 3f out and soon headed, outpaced 2f out, kept on steadily final furlong
Just the 5lb between the sextet tells the story but TIPPERARY TIGER went well on all three runs in December, culminating in a comfortable victory at Southwell over this trip - his first success on an artificial surface. He looks on the improve and went well here last month when a close fourth in a good-class handicap. Nigel Nott was behind the selection last time but that was a first run since a break and he can get closer now without turning the tables. Ballyconneely Bay looks a threat as he's lightly-raced and was close behind the selection latest after a lengthy break. Asadjumeirah has a first start for this yard and is respected and don't leave Toussarok out of calculations as he returns to action for the Johnstons.
Nigel Nott 22-1 (9-6) Slowly into stride, off the pace in last pair, never on terms, 9th of 13, 4 3/4l behind Tipperary Tiger (8-12) at Southwell 6f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
Toussarok 14-1 (9-8) Led over 1f, chased leader until halfway, chased leaders, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 9, 8 3/4l behind Trumble (9-2) at Chelmsford City 6f hcp (4) pol in Oct.
Tipperary Tiger (IRE) 9-4fav (8-12) Mid-division, headway halfway, soon chasing leaders, led inside final furlong, ran on well, won at Southwell 6f hcp (4) pol in Dec beating Politics (9-3) by 1 1/4l, 13 ran.
Aikido (IRE) 18-1 (9-4) Always towards rear, never a factor, ridden 2f out and no impression over 1f out, 10th of 13, 8l behind Dream Today (10-0) at Dundalk 6f hcp pol in Dec.
Asadjumeirah 11-4 (9-7) Dwelt, held up, closer over 4f out, pushed along over 2f out and briefly challenged, outpaced by leaders over 1f out, held final furlong, 3rd of 5, 3l behind Boogie Time (9-5) at Nottingham 6f hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Ballyconneely Bay (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) Mid-division, headway chasing leaders halfway, pushed along over 2f out, ridden near side rail over 1f out, kept on under pressure towards finish, 5th of 12, 3 1/4l behind Hello Me (9-2) at Newcastle 6f hcp (3) pol in Dec.
