jumped left at start, towards rear, soon chased along, headway and switched left over 1f out, ran on final furlong
outpaced, soon ridden along, driven over 1f out, stayed on final furlong
in touch, ridden along halfway, weakened final furlong
held up behind leaders, ridden 2f out, driven, kept on same pace final furlong
towards rear, soon chased along, never trouble leaders
led, ridden over 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, kept on same pace
chased leaders, driven over 1f out, one pace final furlong
prominent, ridden along halfway, weakened final furlong
squeezed for room at start, towards rear, never trouble leaders
always rear division
in touch, led approaching final furlong, driven out
This tricky looking sprint handicap could be set up for THE GEESTER to a carry feather weight to victory ahead of Calmdownmate and Guto. The selection put in a good effort over course and distance last time to finished in runners-up spot behind a horse who has gone on to score again. With the form standing up, his weight in hand on the whole field and a very competitive looking mark he won't have many better chances to get his head in front. Guto looks the main danger and is well treated here after a course and distance victory back in November. The form has had time to work out ok, if not spectacular, and the booking of Jamie Spencer looks significant. Calmdownmate is at the polar opposite of the handicap from the selection but was a winner over course and distance in an Apprentice race last time out. Again the form is ok at best but he should still be competitive off a rating just more than his last outing. Joss Stick usually runs a good race and has every chance of doing so again but The Geester has a great opportunity here.
Calmdownmate (IRE) 4-1 (8-13) Dwelt, soon tracking leaders, led well over 1f out, kept on well, won at Southwell 5f app clm (6) fbs beating Don Pele (8-9) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Cheshire Rose 33-1 (8-0) Mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 8th of 11, 8l behind Yungaburra (9-1) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Nov.
Spic 'n Span 15-2 (9-2) Soon pressed leader, led over 2f out, soon ridden, no extra when headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 9, 6l behind Whiskey Creek (8-13) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Punching 3-1fav (9-2) Hampered start, keen, soon tracked leaders, ridden to chase leader over 1f out, led entering final furlong, ridden out, won at Southwell 6f hcp 0-65 (6) std beating Obe Royal (9-1) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Dickie Le Davoir 16-1 (9-4) In rear, soon struggling, never dangerous, 18th of 19, 12l behind Haajes (9-5) at Redcar 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Oct.
Colorus (IRE) 15-2 (8-11) Led 1f, remained prominent, ridden to challenge 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Drifting Gold (9-0) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Joss Stick 7-1 (8-9) In touch, headway on inside and effort entering final furlong, chased winner, lost 2nd final stride, 3rd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Whiskey Creek (8-13) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Guto 12-1 (7-13) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, stayed on to lead close home, won at Southwell 5f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs in Nov beating Grand Palace (8-9) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Now You See Me 7-1 (8-13) Behind, headway on outside over 1f out, stayed on final furlong to take 2nd final stride, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Whiskey Creek (8-13) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Count Cougar (USA) 25-1 (8-8) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, soon weakened, last of 13, 27l behind Charles Parnell (9-2) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Dec.
The Geester 2-1fav (9-0) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Whiskey Creek (8-13) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
