chased leaders, ridden and every chance 2f out, weakened final furlong
hampered start, soon outpaced, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish
slowly into stride, outpaced
outpaced
held up, weakened 2f out
slowly into stride, headway halfway, ridden and every chance inside final furlong, not quicken near finish
made most 3f, driven and led again inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden halfway, kept on inside final furlong
with winner, led 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, stayed on
with winner over 3f
slowly into stride, outpaced, never nearer
Sharp Hat showed improved form last time and can prevail at the expense of Mystery Pips, Percy Douglas and Doughty. There are no world beaters on show on this banded card, but Sharp Hat has gained 14 wins during his long career, including off a mark of 85 for Richard Hannon many, many years ago. He is a regular sight on this fibresand surface these days and showed that he still has what it takes when a close second to Vlaster Weiner here in March. David Chapman's charge tried to make all over the six furlongs that day but was collared with a furlong to go, and having had a rest, he can make a bold bid to crack out and lead from pillar-to-post over this minimum trip. Mystery Pips did just that here nine days ago and will no doubt take the selection on for the lead, but the concession of six-pounds may prove too much, and in any case he is not certain to maintain the form over Doughty at the revised weights. Percy Douglas was a fair fifth to The Leather Wedge at Hamilton last time and with all the aids on can go well here, but a chance is taken that Sharp Hat can turn back the clock.
Mystery Pips 5-1 (9-7) Made all, ridden out, won at Southwell 5f stk (7) fbs beating Doughty (8-12) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Cark 11-1 (9-7) Held up, ridden 2f out, soon one pace, 6th of 10, 4l behind Mystery Pips (9-7) at Southwell 5f stk (7) fbs.
Laurel Dawn 9-2 (9-4) Slowly into stride, soon outpaced, edged left and ran on final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Mystery Pips (9-7) at Southwell 5f stk (7) fbs.
Mr Spliffy (IRE) 7-2fav (9-7) Chased winner over 3f, 9th of 10, 12l behind Mystery Pips (9-7) at Southwell 5f stk (7) fbs.
Percy Douglas 20-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 5th of 12, 6l behind The Leather Wedge (8-9) at Hamilton 5f hcp (5) gd.
Shadow Jumper (IRE) 11-2 (8-12) Slowly into stride, soon ridden to be in touch, weakened 2f out, 9th of 14, 9l behind Gracie's Gift (8-3) at Southwell 6f mdn clm (7) fbs.
Sharp Hat 9-2 (8-12) Led after 1f, ridden and headed entering final furlong, stayed on, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Vlasta Weiner (8-12) at Southwell 6f stk (H5) fbs in Mar.
Doughty 20-1 (8-12) Close up, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Mystery Pips (9-7) at Southwell 5f stk (7) fbs.
