raced wide in touch in rear, progress 6f out, wide into straight 3f out, led over 1f out, ridden out
in touch in rear, ridden over 5f out, outpaced 4f out, tailed off
disputed lead until led after 1f, ridden and headed over 1f out, edged right and kept on one pace final furlong
keen disputed lead 1f, tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, kept on one pace
tracked leading pair, ridden 3f out, effort 2f out, stayed on to chase winner approaching final furlong, kept on
Five-times course winner The Lock Master will have to defy a penalty and a new career-high mark if he is to complete his hat-trick and we much prefer THATCHMASTER. He won his maiden over a mile here in January and was successful in a higher grade at Wolverhampton earlier this month. The extra quarter-mile shouldn't be a problem on breeding. First Warning is lightly raced but has his first experience of Fibresand while Returntobrecongill has become disappointing. Anton Chigurh might take to the surface, however, and is fit from a campaign over hurdles.
The Lock Master (IRE) 7-2 (9-7) Tracked leader, ridden and stayed on gamely final furlong, won at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Mica Mika (9-1) by 2l, 5 ran.
Anton Chigurh 15-2 (8-10) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, chased leaders inside final furlong, never on terms, 4th of 12, 5l behind Hi There (8-10) at Newbury 1m 2f hcp 105 (2) hvy in Oct.
Thatchmaster (USA) 10-1 (8-7) Tracked leader, challenged 2f out, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on well, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-95 (3) pol beating Tepmokea (9-4) by 1l, 7 ran.
Returntobrecongill 3-1 (9-6) 6th of 8, 36l behind Arr' Kid (9-3) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.
First Warning 5-2 (9-0) Led, joined 9f out, headed entering final mile, chased clear leader, pushed along and no impression 3f out, lost 2nd approaching final 2f, no chance when weakened and lost 3rd inside final furlong, 4th of 5, 11l behind Norfolk Sky (9-2) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.