behind, ridden halfway, never dangerous
behind, headway over 2f out, chased leaders approaching final furlong, stayed on well nearest finish
always behind
chased winner, ridden to challenge well over 2f out, stayed on same pace
in touch, ridden well over 2f out, soon no impression
held up in touch, headway 3f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out
made virtually alla, clear 3f out, ridden over 1f out, held on well under pressure
broke well, chased winner, pushed along halfway, weakened 2f out
Playtotheaudience can land his three-timer in this company. Dasheena is getting used to making the frame and can again go close, while Louisiade and Solicitude are others that can have an effect if they run to their best. Solicitude won a fillies handicap in January and is only 3lb higher in the weights today. She has a feasible chance; but is not one to be jumping overboard with unless there is strong market confidence for her. Louisiade was a grand servant for John Harris before joining his current yard and has solid claims if he can recapture some of his old sparkle. Quite whether he is up to giving weight away all round at this stage of his career is debatable and he needs everything to go his way. His rider's claim will help, though. Dasheena has also been holding her own in races of this nature and cannot confidently be ruled out. The Alan McCabe-trained filly tries her heart out and will push the selection all the way if she runs her usual race. However, Playtotheaudience is a strong fancy to continue on his merry way today. Even under an 8lb rise for his latest win, Playtotheaudience is on a mark 30lbs lower than his best assessment; so stands out as the best handicapped horse in the race and he is very hard to oppose.
Louisiade (IRE) 16-1 (9-1) Pulled hard in rear, ridden halfway, never dangerous, 8th of 12, 5l behind Xpres Maite (8-13) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Dasheena 15-2 (9-0) Held up in rear, driven and effort over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 6, 2l behind Indian's Feather (8-13) at Southwell 1m fll hcp (5) fbs in Mar.
Victor Trumper 11-2 (9-8) Keen hold in rear, headway over 1f out, soon edged left, not reach winner, 2nd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Samuel Charles (10-0) at Lingfield 1m sll (6) pol in Mar.
Sun Catcher (IRE) 11-1 (9-0) Outpaced, stayed on towards finish, 7th of 11, 5l behind Hammer of The Gods (9-3) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Mar.
Playtotheaudience 11-4jt-fav (8-12) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on well, won at W'hampton 7f hcp (6) pol in Mar beating Optical Illusion (8-12) by 3 1/2l, 12 ran.
Solicitude 9-2 (9-2) Mid-division, headway on inside over 2f out, every chance 1f out, one pace, 7th of 14, 3l behind Jessica Wigmo (8-5) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Elusive Warrior (USA) 11-2 (8-4) Pulled hard, chased winner until over 1f out, soon weakened, 9th of 12, 10l behind Xpres Maite (8-13) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Zorn 18-1 (8-6) Led until headed just over 2f out, kept on until weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 11, 4l behind Having A Ball (8-12) at Kempton 1m hcp (6) pol.
