dwelt, raced keenly, soon close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
tracked leader, ridden 2f out, driven to lead entering final furlong, all out
in touch, pushed along halfway, ridden and slightly outpaced over 2f out, headway entering final furlong, driven and ran on towards finish, gaining on winner near post
led, came centre over 2f out, soon ridden, headed entering final furlong, no extra
NIGHTJAR is fancied to land this tight handicap at the expense of Wotashirtfull and Xpres Maite. Invincible Force has yet to shine on an artificial surface and may just need this run to blow away the cobwebs so we'll look to the other three to provide us with the winner. There's little to choose between Xpres Maite and Wotashirtfull as the pair meet on the same terms as when separated by a short-head over course and distance last month. They should both go well but preference is for Mark Johnston's runner who has yet to taste defeat at this track. There are negatives as all four career wins have been achieved over seven furlongs and it's possible that the handicapper may be close to having his measure but the chance is taken that Nightjar can overcome those hurdles.
Invincible Force (IRE) 33-1 (8-7) Chased leader, led over 1f out, soon hard ridden, held on gamely, won at Doncaster 7f hcp 0-100 (2) sft in Nov beating Barney McGrew (8-11) by a hd, 21 ran.
Nightjar (USA) 22-1 (9-3) Never better than mid-division, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous, 8th of 13, 5l behind Flipando (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-105 (2) pol.
Xpres Maite 14-1 (8-11) Behind, ridden 3f out, came wide, stayed on final furlong to take 4th close home, nearest finish, 4th of 8, 2l behind Al Muheer (9-4) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-95 (3) pol.
Wotashirtfull (IRE) 13-8fav (9-4) Made all, ridden 2f out, driven and all out final furlong, won at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb beating Louphole (8-6) by a nk, 4 ran.
