tracked leader, effort over 2f, weakened final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 2f, weakened final furlong
held up behind leaders, smooth progress 2f out, ridden to challenge and every chance approaching final furlong, kept on same pace
held up, headway 2f out, driven to lead entering final furlong, ran on
led, ridden over 2f, headed entering final furlong, no extra close home
outpaced, soon chased along, always towards rear
towards rear, ridden along halfway, driven over 1f, stayed on towards finish
CAME BACK won a claimer and a seller here last month and can land the hat-trick, but all of these will have their supporters, with the main challenges likely to come from Charles Parnell and Jack Rackham. Ann Stokell bought Came Back after his last run, which was a very comfortable win from a wide draw, so being in stall five shouldn't be viewed as a negative here. He's giving weight away all round, but he was top weight last time too, and with Ann able to claim five pounds, he's still very competitive. It's a step up in class, but one that he can bridge. Charles Parnell is also seeking a Southwell hat-trick, after a couple of handicap successes last month. He's now racing off a career high mark, and Michael Dods comes down from the north east just for this race. His gelding had a very busy 2008 but ended with his first wins for more than a year, but he may need to find some further improvement to land this. Along with our selection, and Xpres Maite, he's a course and distance winner. Jack Rackham showed a big improvement here last time out on his course debut and with a first time visor. Whether the headgear will have the same impact today remains to be seen. It's a competitive finale, in which we'll side with Came Back.
Came Back (IRE) 2-5fav (9-5) Made all, ridden 2f out, driven out final furlong, won at Southwell 6f sll (6) fbs in Dec beating Hamaasy (9-2) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Luscivious 7-1 (8-11) In rear, ridden halfway, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 7l behind Turn On The Style (9-7) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-95 (3) fbs in Dec.
Charles Parnell (IRE) 11-2 (9-4) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, driven to lead near line, won at Southwell 6f hcp 0-80 (4) fbs in Dec beating Don Pele (8-5) by a shd, 10 ran.
Xpres Maite 25-1 (8-10) Soon led, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened over 1f, 5th of 8, 15l behind Nightjar (9-2) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.
Red Cape (FR) 9-1 (9-5) Held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, no extra towards finish, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Smirfys Systems (8-7) at W'hampton 7f clm (6) pol in Dec.
Jack Rackham 13-2 (9-4) Towards rear, soon chased along, headway on outer over 2f, ran on final furlong, nearest at finish, 2nd of 11, nk behind Realt Na Mara (9-4) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Lethal 13-2 (9-5) Chased leaders, driven over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 11, 5l behind Turn Me On (9-1) at Catterick 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Aug.
