tracked leader, pushed along 4f out, hampered and not much room over 2f out, not recovered
held up towards rear, headway 2f out, ran on final furlong, not reach winner
mid-division, headway on inner 3f out, ridden to lead 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong
mid-division, effort over 3f out, no impression
towards rear, never dangerous
led, ridden and headed 2f out, one pace final furlong
tracked leader, ridden 2f out, every chance approaching final furlong, kept on same pace
always in rear
held up, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, driven over 3f out, soon beaten
Mark Johnston relies upon Lucky Lark form four five-day entries for this contest and the hint is taken with Gracechurch and Gee Dee Nen rated the pick of the remainder. The selection created a favourable impression when landing a Wolverhampton maiden over the extended mile; form on which the son of Key Of Luck would appear to be fairly treated for his debut in a handicap, especially over a trip that should suit. Bedouin Blue has his first start in a handicap following three runs in maidens but needs to improve, while Stainley disappointed in his last two starts of last season and may now be best watched. Grand Cherokee has yet to prove that he handles ground this soft and of more interest may be Gracechurch, who should appreciate the step up in trip but is another that has yet to prove that soft ground suits. Gee Dee Nen looks to have plenty of weight for what he has achieved judged by one run in a nursery last term and preference is for the unexposed Lucky Lark, who seems to be well treated for his debut in this grade.
Lucky Lark 5-2 (9-3) Always prominent, niggled along from 4f out, ridden over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, soon led, ran on, won at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo mdn (5) pol beating Blanc Visage (9-3) by 1l, 13 ran.
Gee Dee Nen 16-1 (8-9) Towards rear, pushed along halfway, some late headway, never near to challenge, 6th of 17, 20l behind Genre (8-12) at Doncaster 1m 2yo hcp (3) sft in Oct.
Gracechurch (IRE) 40-1 (8-3) Towards rear, headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 17, 25l behind Genre (8-12) at Doncaster 1m 2yo hcp (3) sft in Oct.
Rosthwaite (IRE) 11-1 (8-9) Chased leaders over 5f, no extra, 5th of 7, 6l behind Drawback (8-11) at Southwell 7f 3yo clm (5) fbs in Jan.
Marronnier (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) Held up, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 12, 15l behind Hawks Home (9-0) at Haydock 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) gs in Sept.
Stainley (IRE) 25-1 (8-6) Chased leaders far side, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 21, 13l behind Ordnance Row (9-6) at Doncaster 7f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Nov.
Bedouin Blue (IRE) 4-1 (8-10) Took keen hold, prominent, ran wide bend after 1f, lost place over 1f out, 8th of 10, 16l behind Grey Paint (8-13) at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo mdn aut (5) pol in Oct.
Grand Cherokee (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out, no impression, 7th of 9, 9l behind Quince (9-5) at Musselburgh 1m 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Sept.
Al Rayanah 66-1 (8-2) Dwelt, headway 6f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Southwell 1m mdn stk (5) fbs in Feb beating Kintbury Cross (9-12) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Obscene 100-1 (8-11) Held up, ridden and weakened over 1f out, last of 6, 15l behind Under The Rainbow (8-6) at Newmarket 1m 2f 2yo lst stk (1) sft in Oct.
