prominent, keen hold, ridden to challenge over 1f out, weakened final furlong
always prominent, led over 2f out, hung right from over 1f out, ridden clear final furlong
tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, soon weakened
held up, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on final furlong
chased leaders, pushed along halfway, soon beaten
chased leaders, ridden halfway, soon lost place
soon led, headed over 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out
Formidable Will, Rebellious Spirit and Shifty look the three to concentrate upon and we stick with Formidable Will. The selection dotted up in claiming grade for Mick Easterby and having joined Derek Shaw, it is hoped that his recently discovered form can be maintained. Rebellious Spirit is still a maiden but has given surefire signs that this scenario will not last too much longer. He did not do a lot wrong behind Smart Ass last time out and can be expected to go close. Shifty is not the easiest of individuals to catch right though he has shown form around here and can be anticipated to be staying on when others have cried enough. Anduril looks to be struggling with the handicapper at present while Pomfret Lad is an interesting entrant. Ali Bruce should have stripped fitter for a recent outing and is watched in the market. Formidable Will looks to have conditions in his favour and is the selection in a competitive finale.
Dudley Docker (IRE) 12-1 (8-9) Held up in touch, ridden halfway, kept on one pace final 2f, 6th of 13, 8l behind La Colline (8-6) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs in Dec.
Shifty 6-1 (8-10) Raced wide, held up, headway to go prominent 3f out, edged left and led over 1f out, headed, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 3l behind Orpen Wide (8-10) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Dec.
Rebellious Spirit 40-1 (8-12) Keen, held up, effort 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 10, 2l behind Smart Ass (9-3) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-70 (5) fbs in Dec.
Pomfret Lad 8-1 (9-13) Chased leaders stands side, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 15, 12l behind Hows That (8-12) at Newcastle 1m clm (6) gs in Aug.
Anduril 12-1 (8-9) Held up in rear, reminders 4f out, not clear run 2f out, switched right, ran on to take 2nd inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Smart Ass (8-12) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Dec.
Formidable Will (FR) 4-1 (8-4) With leaders, ridden and every chance from 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 10, 2l behind Smart Ass (9-3) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-70 (5) fbs in Dec.
Weet For Ever (USA) 10-1 (8-8) Slowly into stride, took keen hold, always behind, 12th of 13, 26l behind Street Life (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
Ali Bruce 3-1 (9-1) In touch on outer, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 10th of 11, well behind Formidable Will (9-7) at Southwell 1m sll (6) fbs in Dec.