towards rear, pushed along and headway over 3f out, ran on over 1f out, led approaching final furlong, kept on gamely inside final furlong
towards rear, reminders over 4f out, driven, some late headway, never near to challenge
soon chased along, effort over 3f out, no impression
led, ridden over 1f out, headed approaching final furlong, no extra inside final furlong
slowly into stride, always behind
towards rear, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
prominent, driven over 3f out, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
mid-division, reminders over 4f out, never on terms
chased leaders, driven halfway, ridden when weakening over 2f out
in touch, pushed along 3f out, ridden over 1f out, had every chance approaching final furlong, kept on same pace
towards rear, never a factor
Preskani can defy topweight at the expense of Abbeygate, with Captain Darling and Priorina seen as other leading players. The first of eight races on the Fibresand would appear to principally concern those at the top of the handicap, with Preskani perhaps having more chance than most. Norma Macauley's three-year-old has been on the upgrade this term and has come good with back-to-back wins here. Both were in Banded company, but he looks a progressive sort, and this step up to a mile will play to his strengths. Abbeygate gained his third victory of the year here in November but judged on his defeat last time he could do with a step up in trip, while Captain Darling made the most of a good draw when scoring over seven furlongs last time and has a bit more to do now. Priorina will appreciate the extra furlong but has been running in selling company, and all in all it is Preskani that can boast the best claims.
Preskani 4-5fav (9-4) Held up, headway halfway, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at Southwell 6f stk (7) fbs beating Straffan (8-7) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Abbeygate 11-2 (9-0) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, ridden and one pace final furlong, 5th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Amorist (9-4) at Southwell 1m hcp (6) fbs.
We'll Meet Again 11-1 (8-11) Towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 4th of 14, 4l behind Amorist (9-4) at Southwell 1m hcp (6) fbs.
Captain Darling (IRE) 7-1 (8-9) Made all, ridden clear over 1f out, ran on, won at Southwell 7f stk (7) fbs beating Mount Royale (8-13) by 2l, 13 ran.
Nevinstown (IRE) 33-1 (9-0) Always behind, 13th of 14, 28l behind Amorist (9-4) at Southwell 1m hcp (6) fbs.
Noul (USA) 8-1 (9-1) Always towards rear, 13th of 15, 11l behind Outrageous Flirt (7-12) at Carlisle 1m stk (7) gf in May.
Blue Empire (IRE) 20-1 (8-5) Chased leaders, pushed along over 3f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, 3rd of 14, 2l behind Chicken Soup (8-10) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
Priorina (IRE) 16-1 (8-9) In touch, ridden 2f out, chased winner final furlong, 2nd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Sweet Pickle (9-2) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs in Nov.
