chased leaders, ridden to go 2nd over 1f out, edged left, every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
led, ridden, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, eased inside final furlong
chased leaders on inside, ridden over 2f out, close up inside final furlong, kept on
slowly into stride, behind, switched towards outside over 3f out, headway 1f out, never nearer
towards rear, driven over 2f out, never dangerous
always prominent, led over 2f out, driven out
behind, headway, hung left from 2f out, one pace final furlong
reared up leaving stalls, came wide entering straight, always behind
towards rear on inside, some headway over 3f out, no impression when not much room over 1f out
A chance is taken with Doctor Dennis, who may have the most to fear from Shadow Jumper and old rival Zorn. The last named made the most of the opportunity at the weights when he beat the selection here a fortnight ago and has to be respected as a danger again. However, he is 3lb worse off today and needs everything to drop just right for him. Shadow Jumper is also in good heart and is weighted to reverse placings with the penalised Winning Pleasure on this occasion. Both are entitled to be in there with a shout near the finish and can do their bit to make this a competitive sprint. However, slender preference is given to Doctor Dennis, who has returned to form of late and he rates as the best value option in what looks a tight one to call.
Winning Pleasure (IRE) 11-1 (8-8) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, ran on to lead inside final furlong, kept on, won at Southwell 6f clm (6) fbs beating Up Tempo (8-10) by 1l, 9 ran.
Shannon Arms (USA) 6-1 (9-2) Keen with leader, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened final furlong, last of 10, 6l behind Tuscarora (8-12) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Jan.
Shadow Jumper (IRE) 5-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Winning Pleasure (8-8) at Southwell 6f clm (6) fbs.
Doctor Dennis (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Held up, headway approaching final furlong, ran on, not reach winner, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Zorn (8-8) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Winthorpe (IRE) 9-2 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, 3rd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Zorn (8-8) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Shifty Night (IRE) 14-1 (8-1) Chased leader, led entering final furlong, caught post, 2nd of 8, shd behind Missperon (8-1) at Southwell 6f fll hcp (5) fbs.
Zorn 40-1 (8-7) Led, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out, 8th of 10, 10l behind Wessex (8-11) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-100 (2) std.
Imperium 10-3fav (8-13) Held up in rear, ridden halfway, kept on from over 1f out, never nearer, 5th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Soba Jones (8-11) at Southwell 6f hcp (6) std.