tracked leaders, chased clear leader 10th, ridden next, ridden and closed on leader approaching 2 out, challenging when hampered approaching last, led narrowly last, driven out, gamely
disputed lead until led 4th, clear next, reduced lead approaching 2 out, ridden and hung right approaching last, headed narrowly last, stayed on gamely
tracked leaders, ridden 11th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up 2 out
in rear, ridden 10th, detached next
in rear when fell heavily 2nd
disputed lead until 4th, chased leader until 10th, ridden passing by-passed 3 out, soon weakened
Maccabees was around 20 lengths behind in a Leicester seller when left clear and is unlikely to get so lucky again. ASHMOLIAN doesn't win very often and was eventually beaten a long way over today's track and trip in January though he went well for a long way and is handed the vote as this won't take much winning. The Red Laird has had little racing for his age and hasn't been seen for almost a year. He reappeared to perform with credit after a long break last year so a big run is expected despite his weight. Bamboleo had obviously shown something as he started favourite at Wincanton last month but dug his toes in at the start and almost refused to race. Connections will be hoping for compensation but he doesn't look one to trust. Laughton Park showed promise at Fontwell last April but pulled up on his next start a month later and hasn't been sighted since.
The Red Laird 14-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden before 4 out, weakened before 3 out, 10th of 16, 31l behind Mauricetheathlete (11-0) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Mar '12.
Bamboleo (IRE) 11-4fav (11-11) Reluctant to race and left 15 lengths, ridden to catch up with rear of group, headway before 6th, ridden after 3 out, soon lost place, weakened and pulled up before next, in a race won by Xaarcet (11-9) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Feb, 15 ran.
Laughton Park 7-2 (11-5) Held up in 5th place, ridden before 8th, soon struggling, poor 5th when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Who Owns Me (11-4) at Warwick 3m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in May, 7 ran.
Zouti (FR) 25-1 (10-13) Raced wide, hald up in last pair, some headway on outside before 3 out, weakened on long run before next, tailed off, 7th of 8, 35l behind Qalinas (11-2) at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy in Feb.
Maccabees 16-1 (10-7) Held up, progress to chase clear leader 3 out, nearly 20 lengths down when left in 14 length lead 2 out, hit last, all out, won at Leicester 2m 4f sell hdl (5) sft in Jan beating Bobbits Way (11-6) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Ashmolian (IRE) 33-1 (9-9) Held up tracking leaders, headway to chase leaders approaching 9th, led next, headed soon after 3 out, chased leading pair until weakened quickly before next, tailed off, 7th of 10, 40l behind Virginia Ash (11-0) at Plumpton 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy in Jan.
Al Shababiya (IRE) 20-1 (9-7) Led 1st, ridden before 6th, headed after 8th, 4th and one pace before 3 out, no impression, 4th of 7, 41l behind Matrow's Lady (10-12) at Ffos Las 2m 6f mrs hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy in Feb.
