prominent, took keen hold, ridden to challenge over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, chased leaders over 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, never able to challenge
chased leaders, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
dwelt badly, detatched in rear, headway over 1f out, never nearer
tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly into stride, mid-division, weakened over 3f out
soon outpaced in mid-division, headway under pressure over 3f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, lost place halfway, soon beaten
prominent, effort over 2f out, weakened entering final furlong
Course winner IVY PORT looks to have the strongest claims. She's found only one too good on her last couple of starts and is dropping down a grade after separating subsequent winners over course and distance last month. Flying Giant has more scope than the selection and may well get involved on his handicap debut after a second to Roger Thorpe here earlier in the month. Amtired and Xpres Maite have both run well enough at this track recently to be worthy of consideration, but Storey Hill's recent win came on the Polytrack and he's been beaten off today's higher mark since.
Ivy Port 7-4fav (8-6) Chased leaders, driven halfway, every chance over 1f out, no extra closing stages, 2nd of 8, 1 3/4l behind Frost Fire (8-12) at Southwell 1m fll hcp (0-75) (3yo+) (5) fbs in Dec.
Flying Giant (IRE) 6-1 (9-5) Led, driven clear 3f out, soon ridden, hard pressed 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no impression in clear 2nd final 110 yards, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Roger Thorpe (9-0) at Southwell 1m mdn auc stks (4-6yo) (6) fbs.
Amtired 12-1 (9-1) Raced wide in touch, good headway halfway, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed and unable to quicken inside final furlong, 2nd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Emperatriz (9-6) at Southwell 1m hcp (0-65) (6) fbs in Dec.
Ellaal 2-1fav (8-12) Held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, lost place over 1f out, 7th of 8, 15l behind Tiger Reigns (9-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Xpres Maite 16-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, switched left soon after start, outpaced in rear, ridden and headway on inside over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 5th of 13, 1 3/4l behind Queen Of Skies (9-7) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Storey Hill (USA) 5-1 (9-9) Chased leader until over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, lost place over 2f out, 10th of 13, 19l behind Katmai River (8-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (7) pol.
Baile Atha Cliath (IRE) 7-1 (8-4) Prominent, tracked leader over 3f out, led 2f out, soon headed, kept on same pace, 5th of 8, 5l behind Dansili Dutch (8-12) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Nov.
Island Express (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on to take narrow 2nd 1f out, kept on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Xclusive (9-5) at Southwell 1m mdn stks (5) fbs.
Kai 50-1 (8-7) Tracked leaders, ridden and hampered well over 2f out, soon lost place, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 13, 16l behind Queen Of Skies (9-7) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Lucky Mountain 16-1 (8-13) Always in rear, 13th of 14, 31l behind On The Cusp (9-5) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-52 (6) fbs in Nov.