tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, no impression
tracked winner, ridden over 1f out, kept on one pace
made all, ridden over 1f out, driven out
NonRunner
It could pay to stick with last week’s winner at Wolverhampton, ELIXSOFT. Roger Fell’s filly is penalised for that success but is less exposed than Kikini Bamalaam, who sports the same colours for a different trainer and remains 6lb higher than when landing a double at Musselburgh last year. New Empire drops down a grade on his first start since November and Bad Dog finished more than two lengths behind the selection last time.
New Empire 10-1 (9-0) Close up, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, last of 5, 3 3/4l behind Our Man In Havana (9-0) at Wolverhampton 7f (4) pol in Nov.
Bad Dog 12-1 (9-0) Chased leader, led after 1f, headed 2f out, chased leader until ridden and hung left over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 2 1/4l behind Elixsoft (8-8) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Elixsoft (IRE) 25-1 (8-8) Dwelt, took keen hold and soon chased leaders, ridden 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, led entering final furlong, ran on under pressure, won at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (6) pol in Jan beating Oneroa (9-7) by hd, 10 ran.
Kikini Bamalaam (IRE) 18-1 (8-2) Raced alone stand side, prominent, weakened 2f out, last of 5, 27 3/4l behind Windsor Cross (8-8) at Newcastle 7f hcp (3) pol in Jan.