soon led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, soon chased along, never dangerous
in touch, ridden over 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
prominent, ridden along over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
took keen hold behind leaders, ridden along over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
held up towards rear, headway on inner over 2f out, ridden to lead well over 1f out, driven out final furlong
held up, effort over 3f out, soon beaten
held up mid-division, pushed along halfway, never troubled leaders
Plenty in with claims in this competitive opener and narrow preference is for Todwick Owl who can progress having finally got his head in front; Government and Sir Bond make it to the shortlist. The selection cruised to the front in an admittedly weak maiden last time out. That win a fortnight ago was his first start on this surface and it seemed to suit so with confidence high he is taken to score, despite re-entering handicaps on a higher mark of 58. Abbeygate and Pawn In Life are both course and distance winners but neither comes here on the back of scintillating runs, so of more interest may be Government who seems to be holding his form well. Tina's Ridge and Sir Bond are both starting to look attractively handicapped, whilst General Feeling would have won this at a canter a while back. His recent win showed that he is certainly not to be passed over lightly, however it is Todwick Owl who can continue his progression.
Todwick Owl 5-2 (9-3) In touch, led over 1f out, pushed out final furlong, won at Southwell 1m mdn aut stk (6) fbs in Jan beating West End Lad (9-3) by 2l, 7 ran.
General Feeling (IRE) 13-2 (8-10) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, edged right approaching final furlong, kept on to lead inside final furlong, won at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (6) pol in Jan beating Mister Benji (8-6) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Sir Bond (IRE) 6-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 12, 15l behind Wodhill Gold (8-7) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Jan.
Tina's Ridge (IRE) 16-1 (9-1) In touch, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 8th of 11, 10l behind Morbick (9-5) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.
Welcome Releaf 4-1 (9-3) Prominent, led over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 7, 4 1/2l behind Todwick Owl (9-3) at Southwell 1m mdn aut stk (6) fbs in Jan.
Abbeygate 5-1 (8-7) Behind, no impression on leaders 2f out, stayed on steadily final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Lough Beg (8-10) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Jan.
Sparky Vixen 14-1 (8-7) Held up in touch, ridden to challenge 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Ruffie (8-2) at Southwell 1m fll hcp (6) fbs.
Government (IRE) 14-1 (8-10) Chased leader, lost place over 4f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out, last of 4, 13l behind Louisiade (8-10) at Southwell 7f clm (6) fbs in Jan.
Pawn In Life (IRE) 25-1 (8-1) Held up, effort over 2f out, no impression, 5th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Anduril (8-10) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-50 (6) fbs.