tracked leaders, led halfway, ridden and headed well over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
prominent, ridden halfway, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden and kept on one pace from over 1f out
dwelt, in rear, ridden 3f out, never near leaders
prominent, ridden and weakened over 2f out
held up, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on
chased leaders, soon ridden along, lost place halfway
led, headed halfway, chased leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out
close up, ridden 3f out, effort entering final 2f, soon chased winner, one pace final furlong
slowly into stride, in rear soon ridden along, never a factor
raced wide in touch, led well over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace
Cheers For Thea is the interesting horse after a break, especially if the market vibes are positive, however HYPNOTIC GAZE is a proven performer here and is fancied to see off General Tufto and Fandango Boy. John Mackie's gelding does not have an inspiring record (0 from 12) however he has shaped well in defeat on his last two outings this year ad he is proven on this track. He is 4lb better off with General Tufto when a close second to him here in January and is given the nod. The last-named is enigmatic but he should have no problem with this drop in trip today as a strong pace suits ideally. Cheers For Thea won two of her three starts in September and is a big player if ready to roll after a break, Hilbre Court is one of several course and distance winners in the yard who need to bounce back to form, whilst Heathyards Junior is interesting on his first start for his new yard having won two races at Wolverhampton for Reg Hollinshead. The ex-Irish Fandango Boy shaped well behind the selection last time out and is considered off this mark of 69, Sadeek is closely matched on that Ella Woodcock form, whilst Castle Myth chases a hat-trick here and is respected in this stronger grade. The market needs watching closely for Provost (first-time blinkers) and Tomintoul Star (not been with the yard for long), however the vote is given to Hypnotic Gaze.
Cheers For Thea (IRE) 11-2 (9-8) Mid-division, headway 2f out, led over 1f out, soon clear, eased near finish, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Sep beating Arashi (9-4) by 1 3/4l, 13 ran.
Hilbre Court (USA) 16-1 (8-13) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 13l behind Plush (8-10) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f clm stks (6) pol.
Heathyards Junior 16-1 (9-0) Mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 8th of 12, 13l behind Thunderstruck (9-5) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Fandango Boy 20-1 (9-3) Held up, effort on inside over 1f out, never troubled leaders, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Ella Woodcock (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Hypnotic Gaze (IRE) 5-2fav (8-9) Close up on outside, went 2nd 2f out, soon ridden, one pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 9, 1l behind Ella Woodcock (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
General Tufto 11-1 (9-3) Took keen hold, held up tracking leaders, effort 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 7, 5l behind Charging Indian (9-12) at Southwell 1m 3f hacp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Bookiebasher Babe (IRE) 11-1 (9-3) In rear, reminders early, ridden halfway, never a threat, 6th of 7, 12l behind Borasco (8-12) at Southwell 7f hcp (5) fbs.
Sadeek 8-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, pushed along halfway, kept on same pace over 1f out, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Ella Woodcock (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Castle Myth (USA) 11-8 (8-12) Tracked leader, led 5f out, narrowly headed over 3f out, chased leader, ridden final furlong, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Southwell 1m sell stks (6) fbs beating Mackintosh (8-6) by 1/2l, 4 ran.
Provost 2-1fav (8-11) Always in rear, 8th of 10, 19l behind General Tufto (9-0) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Jan.
Tomintoul Star 12-1 (8-12) Held up in mid-division, headway over 3f out, hard ridden and stayed on strongly inside final furlong, not reached winner, 2nd of 10, nk behind Positivity (8-11) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
