started slowly, raced wide, always behind, struggling over 3f out
tracked leadrs, went 2nd over 2f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, stayed on under pressure to lead final 100 yards, just held on
chased leaders, stumbled after start, pushed along and lost place 5f out, edged left and plugged on one pace final 2f
led, ridden and pressed over 1f out, narrowly headed final 100 yards, rallied strongly close home, just held
chased leaders, went 3rd 2f out, no chance with leading duo
chased leader, ridden 3f out, lost 2nd over 2f out, weakened soon after
None of these inspire much confidence and as such EYEDORO gets only a tentative vote. He was still beaten six lengths despite finishing third over C&D on his return from a two month lay-off, but his stable has hit top form recently and he gets another chance. Bravestofthebrave ran a shocker in the same race as the selection last time having been beaten only a short-head at this track before that. He gets first-time blinkers today as a result, while Frosty Friday has been placed over a mile at this track and could surprise both of the above if lasting home. National Hunt winner Candelita has her first start on the level, though a well beaten debut in a bumper on this surface gives her something to prove.
Bellapais Abbey (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders on inside, outpaced 4f out, stayed on same pace final 2f, no impression, 5th of 15, 17l behind Kaysersberg (10-11) at Doncaster 2m NH flat (6) gs in Dec.
Bravestofthebrave (USA) 8-13fav (9-3) Pushed along in rear, headway over 1f out, never troubled leaders, 4th of 6, 18l behind Chabada (8-12) at Southwell 1m 4f mdn stks (5) fbs.
Eight Keys 14-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, weakened over 3f out, tailed off, 9th of 16, well behind Cool George (10-0) at Exeter 2m 1f mdn NH flat (6) sft.
Eyedoro (USA) 5-1 (9-3) Tracked leader, led over 5f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 6, 7l behind Chabada (8-12) at Southwell 1m 4f mdn stks (5) fbs.
Candelita 5-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, headway 5th, soon went 2nd, every chance 2 out, no extra flat, 3rd of 8, 5l behind Phoenix Flight (11-5) at Leicester 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Frosty Friday 9-2 (8-12) Tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, ridden and disputed 2nd from 2f out, chased winner well inside final furlong, no impression, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Perfect Mission (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f mdn auc stks (6) pol in Dec.
Las Hilanderas (USA) El Prado filly out of Lilium.
Knockavardagh Boy (IRE) 40-1 (10-11) Led, mistakes 3rd and 4th, headed after next, weakened 5 out, behind when pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Fly Town (10-2) at Fakenham 2m mdn chs (5) sft, 6 ran.