in rear, switched left over 2f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on final furlong
hampered start, led after 1f, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
led 1f, tracked leader after, ridden to lead again over 1f out, stayed on
went left start, in touch, ridden and edged left over 1f out, soon one pace
rider had trouble removing blind, slowly away, always behind
broke well, close up, taken to rear after 1f, headway 2f out, soon ridden, kept on inside final furlong, unable to quicken near finish
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
GRIMES FAITH can get the better of Lethal, Crocodile Bay and his old adversary Back In The Red in this very ordinary claimer. The selection has maintained a good level of form since he won a handicap off 58 back in September of last year - putting together a string of near misses; the latest of which saw him chase home Back In The Red here a fortnight ago. The last named made all the running on that occasion and just managed to slip the noose. However, more forceful handling from Jamie Spencer could provide the key to changing the fortunes of Grimes Faith and the gelding looks to be a punters choice in this old rouges gallery. Crocodile Bay is capable on his day but has a bit to prove at the trip, so it may be down to Lethal to throw down the gauntlet as the biggest danger. However, Richard Fahey's gelding rarely runs two races the same; so can hardly be called a certainty to dish out a repeat dose of last week's course (7f) success. Therefore, a minimum stakes investment with Grimes Faith is recommended as the interest in a poor race.
Ballycroy Boy (IRE) 14-1 (9-2) Soon outpaced in rear, never nearer, 8th of 12, 8l behind Ingleby Arch (9-2) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Nov.
Crocodile Bay (IRE) 6-1 (9-4) Led, shaken up over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, nk behind Mrs Bun (8-11) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Back In The Red (IRE) 4-1 (9-5) Made virtually all, driven over 1f out, edged left and kept on final furlong, won at Southwell 5f sll (6) fbs beating Grimes Faith (9-0) by a hd, 8 ran.
Charmel's Lad 11-1 (9-2) Switched right mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no impression, 10th of 13, 13l behind Takitwo (9-4) at Kempton 7f hcp (6) pol.
Mafaheem 14-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, some late headway, never nearer, 6th of 9, 7l behind Interactive (8-12) at Kempton 6f sll (5) pol.
Lethal 11-2 (9-0) Made all, ridden and under pressure from 2f out, just held on, won at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs beating Cap St Jean (8-7) by a hd, 9 ran.
Grimes Faith 7-4fav (9-0) Steadied at start, held up behind leaders, shaken up to challenge and every chance approaching final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 8, hd behind Back In The Red (9-5) at Southwell 5f sll (6) fbs.
Savile's Delight (IRE) 12-1 (9-4) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, hanging left over 1f out, stayed on final furlong without troubling leaders, 5th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Nickel Silver (9-4) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Milloaks (IRE) 25-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, ridden and weakened entering straight, last of 14, 36l behind Countess Petrushka (9-6) at Dundalk 1m hcp 0-60 pol in Nov.