keen prominent, led 2f out, ridden and headed entering final furlong, no extra
dwelt in rear, ridden over 1f out, never on terms
tracked leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
led, pushed along halfway, ridden and headed 2f out, stayed on one pace
close up, ridden over 1f out, challenged inside final furlong, edged left towards finish, just held
NonRunner
MULZIM could only manage second in this last year but has won three times over course and distance since including his latest start. He had Samovar back in third last time with previous winner Duke Of Firenze well beaten and an apprentice’s allowance negates most of today’s 4lb penalty. Lorna Cole represents last year’s winning yard and finished in front of Red Stripes when fourth here earlier in the week while Ustath still looks high enough in the weights and the veteran Poyle Vinnie gets a change of headgear.
Mulzim 5-1 (9-5) Chased leaders near side of group, went 2nd over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, led final 100 yards, cosily, won at Southwell 5f hcp (4) pol in Dec beating Giogiobbo (9-3) by nk, 9 ran.
Duke Of Firenze 9-2 (9-6) Slowly into stride, outpaced and always behind, last of 9, 11l behind Mulzim (9-5) at Southwell 5f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
Poyle Vinnie 16-1 (9-6) Off the pace in last pair, never on terms, 7th of 9, 4 3/4l behind Ballyare (9-3) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (5) pol in Dec.
Ustath 4-1jfav (9-4) Prominent, pushed along to challenge over 2f out, led 1f out, ran on, headed final 50yds, 2nd of 9, nk behind Excessable (9-0) at Southwell 6f hcp (5) pol in Dec.
Samovar 4-1fav (8-10) Raced towards far side, chased leaders, ridden and one pace in 3rd when hung left to far rail final furlong, 3rd of 9, 2 1/4l behind Mulzim (9-5) at Southwell 5f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
Red Stripes (USA) 20-1 (8-2) Towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, kept on final 100 yards, never involved, 7th of 9, 5 1/4l behind Centurion Song (9-2) at Southwell 5f hcp (5) pol in Dec.
Lorna Cole (IRE) 14-1 (8-12) Prominent, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Centurion Song (9-2) at Southwell 5f hcp (5) pol in Dec.