led main group but 15 lengths of leading pair, headway 3f out, not clear run 2f out, chased winner 1f out, ridden and stayed on
in touch in main group, headway over 2f out, chased winner 2f out until 1f out, weakened
towards rear, outpaced 4f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on towards finish
held up in main group, headway over 4f out, led 3f out, pushed out
dwelt in rear, headway and not clear run over 2f out, ridden and stayed on final furlong, not trouble leaders
chased clear leaders, closed 4f out, short of room 2f out, soon weakened
dwelt pulled hard, headway to lead 10f out and clear, headed hampered and stumbled over 8f out, led again over 7f out, headed 5f out, weakened 2f out
set strong pace and clear with one other, headed 10f out, edged left and led again over 8f out, headed over 7f out, led again 5f out, headed 3f out, weakened 2f out
NonRunner
Esspeegee landed a hat-trick with last month’s victory over track and trip but is upped a further 3lb. BEST EXAMPLE has been competing in tougher handicaps than this and found only one too good under Ross Birkett in one of these events at Southwell last week. He’s also preferred to Henpecked, given the latter failed to win a race last year, and gets the nod. Something Brewing has won on the Flat in France and is fit from hurdling but Leonard Thomas has plenty to find with Esspeegee while Highwayman remains without a win.
Henpecked 40-1 (8-7) Towards rear, ridden over 1f out, never dangerous, 8th of 9, 4l behind Gallifrey (9-0) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
Jersey Jewel (FR) 100-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden lost place over 3f out, 9th of 13, 12 3/4l behind Archipeligo (10-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (5) pol in Dec.
Something Brewing (FR) 4-1fav (10-11) Held up, ridden when pulled up 2 out (usual 3 out), at Wetherby 2m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Esspeegee 13-2 (9-3) Close up, headway over 1f out, ridden to challenge leader inside final furlong, stayed on to lead near finish, won at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp (6) pol in Dec beating Magistral (9-7) by hd, 12 ran.
Leonard Thomas 3-1jfav (8-9) Held up mid-division, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, 9l behind Symbolic Star (9-5) at Newcastle 1m hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Mangata (FR) 25-1 (9-6) Held up, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 9th of 12, 27 1/4l behind Ingleby Spring (9-3) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Highwayman 33-1 (9-1) Held up mid-division, ridden over 1f out, no impression, 8th of 14, 21 3/4l behind Star Ascending (8-9) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Flying Power 12-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 10th of 14, 27l behind Star Ascending (8-9) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Best Example (USA) 11-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Serenity Now (11-6) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp (5) pol in Jan.