in touch, progress to challenge over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, never dangerous
tracked leaders, pushed along 4f out, soon one pace
tracked leaders, led 5f out, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on same pace
led until 5f out, soon lost place
led up in touch, ridden over 3f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
held up, weakened over 3f out
tracked leaders, led 2f out, soon edged left, driven clear inside final furlong
Some in-form horses here so it looks competitive, however we will plump for Arsad to go in again, with Share The Feeling and Top Jaro likely dangers. The selection won well over course and distance last month smashing the field by six lengths. He has a 9lb rise in the weights to contend with today, however with his stable flying he can run another big race. Red Wine and Share The Feeling should ensure that there is a decent pace up-front which can only help Arsad's chance. Share The Feeling hasn't been out of the top two in his last five runs here in England and must have solid claims once again. However he is now 10lbs above his highest winning mark so may be booked for place money today. Croon is an interesting runner from Tim Pitt's yard. He has only tried this trip once - yet he was only beaten a length by the classy Ebtikaar. He should be closely watched for signs of support. Top Jaro returns to the flat after a poor run over obstacles but is entitled to go close if handling this step up in trip as he had previously looked progressive. Beldon Hill looks to have a tough task from out of the weights, so we will therefore return to Arsad to take this very competitive handicap.
Flame Creek (IRE) 11-4fav (9-7) Held up behind leaders, ridden approaching 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 6, 17l behind Tranquilizer (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Red Wine 33-1 (9-3) Led, headed 4f out, soon ridden, weakened well over 2f out, 6th of 7, 23l behind Dundry (8-8) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Jan.
Croon 10-3jt-fav (8-13) Mid-division, not much room 2f out, ridden, outpaced over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 3l behind Sgt Schultz (8-3) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Share The Feeling (IRE) 5-4fav (9-7) Led, shaken up 2f out, under pressure when headed close home, 2nd of 7, nk behind Positive Profile (9-8) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Top Jaro (FR) 6-1 (8-7) Made virtually all, ridden over 2f out, kept on gamely final furlong, won at Ayr 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) hvy in Oct beating Charlie Tokyo (9-2) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Arsad (IRE) 2-1 (9-3) In touch, led well over 2f out, pushed clear final furlong, won at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Jan beating Stagecoach Emerald (9-8) by 5l, 8 ran.
Royal Auditon 14-1 (9-4) Held up, headway halfway, weakened approaching final furlong, 6th of 7, 4 1/2l behind Cotton Easter (8-9) at Bath 1m 5f fll hcp (5) sft in May.
Beldon Hill (USA) 6-4 (9-2) Tracked leaders, chased leaders 2f out, held approaching final furlong, 3rd of 7, 3l behind Positive Profile (9-8) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
