always prominent going well, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
close up until lost place after 5f, headway under pressure from 3f out, stayed on to lead inside final furlong, ridden out
soon led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened
dwelt, towards rear, headway halfway, ridden over 4f out, weakened 3f out
close up, ridden and led over 2f out, driven and headed inside final furlong, no extra
held up, ridden over 5f out, headway under pressure over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden halfway, behind final 5f
held up in rear, ridden and headway over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
An interesting handicap that can be taken by the lightweight Hajeer. The five-year-old was a winner over course and distance on his penultimate start, beating today's rival Kent by three quarters of a length in receipt of 20lb. Raised 15lb for that win, the gelding did well to finish second, beaten just over a length, over two miles at Wolverhampton last time. Dropped 8lb once again for this contest, he looks to have an outstanding chance and is taken to score. Kent underlined the value of that form by winning last time out, but is a further 4lb worse off with the selection now and though he should go well it would be a surprise if he were good enough to turn the tables. Bobby Kennard looks to be best of the rest, though his course and distance win on New Year's Day was not missed by the handicapper, who seems to have his measure at present.