tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, pushed along over 5f out, ridden well over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
always prominent, led halfway, ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, caught post
slowly into stride, held up, ridden well over 4f out soon struggling
held up mid-divison, ridden over 3f out, no impression after
held up towards rear and keen, good headway to join leaders halfway, ridden and weakened over 3f out
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, led post
held up mid-division, ridden and weakened 3f out
with leaders until ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
Nakwa can win a competitive handicap, with topweight Delta Force, Lazzaz and Jungle Lion all expected to make their presence felt. Nakwa, a dual winner on Turf at Newcastle in the past, opened his account on the all-weather when winning a moderate event at Wolverhampton on 5 January. He could be called the winner a long way out that day, but has had the misfortune to come up against two very much in-form individuals on his last two starts, in Sendintank and Fall In Line. Connections will be pleased that neither line up here, and with an extra two furlongs in his favour, Nakwa should go close. Topweight Delta Force looks held through Fall In Line but will also appreciate the trip, while amazingly Lazzaz has also been one of Fall In Line's recent victims, at Lingfield a fortnight ago. He was not able to dominate that day, but can take a hand if sent about his business early. Jungle Lion is no better than plating class but was with Henry Cecil at one time. Broughton Melody and Free Style have fair weights and can be considered for a place on their latest efforts, but if it is the winner you are looking for then Nakwa is the suggestion.
