mid-division on outside, pushed along over 2f out, weakened final furlong
led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
chased leader on inside, going well 3f out, ridden and outpaced 2f out, no extra inside last
always towards rear, never a factor
always towards rear, never involved
mid-division, ridden 2f out, headway on outside final furlong, stayed on strongly for 2nd
tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, clear final furlong, stayed on well, eased down close home
in rear, pushed along off pace 2f out, rapid late headway inside last
rear of mid-division, pushed along and outpaced 2f out, some headway final furlong, soon outpaced, never on terms
chased leader on outside, pushed along and weakened 2f out
mid-division on inside, ridden 2f out, headway to chase leader final furlong, kept on well
mid-division, pushed along 2f out, weakened final furlong
rear of mid-division, pushed along and outpaced 2f out, behind final furlong
Several arrive on the back of wins including The Thin Blue Line, who scored at Wolverhampton. Justcallmepete beat Porfin at Lingfield and the latter went on to win at the same track with previous winner Shalaa Asker back in fourth. POLITICS (NAP) has tumbled down the weights since finishing runner-up in last year’s contest and returned to winning ways over track and trip on only his second outing for Mick Appleby. He can go in again off his current mark.
The Thin Blue Line (IRE) 11-4fav (9-9) Mid-division, headway and switched right final bend, led entering final furlong, kept on well, won at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (5) pol in Dec beating Brazen Idol (9-0) by nk, 10 ran.
Fai Fai 40-1 (9-8) Dwelt in touch, pushed along 2f out, no impression, 6th of 10, 4 1/4l behind Twilight Madness (9-6) at Southwell 5f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
So Grateful 5-2 (9-5) In touch, pushed along and headway 2f out, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 10, 3l behind Twilight Madness (9-6) at Southwell 5f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
Mustaffiz 66-1 (8-13) Always towards rear, well beaten final 2f, 9th of 10, 9 1/2l behind Alligator Alley (9-11) at Southwell 5f hcp (3) pol in Dec.
Inevitable Outcome (IRE) 25-1 (9-6) Led, headed over 4f out, close up 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 3l behind The Thin Blue Line (9-9) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (5) pol in Dec.
Porfin (IRE) 11-2 (9-6) Pressed leader, led 2f out, 2 lengths clear entering final furlong, eased close home, won at Lingfield 6f hcp (5) pol in Dec beating Swiss Pride (9-11) by 1 1/4l, 9 ran.
Justcallmepete 15-8fav (9-9) Held up off the pace towards rear, wide home turn, ridden over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, led towards finish, won at Lingfield 6f hcp (5) pol in Dec beating Swiss Pride (9-11) by hd, 10 ran.
Shalaa Asker 16-5 (9-8) Raced wide, in touch, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, kept on same pace, 4th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Porfin (9-6) at Lingfield 6f hcp (5) pol in Dec.
Politics (IRE) 6-5fav (9-7) Well away, chased leaders, pushed along briefly halfway, went 2nd inside final 2f, soon ridden, led inside final 150 yards, well on top towards finish, won at Southwell 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec beating Triggered (9-6) by 1 1/4l, 12 ran.
Surprise Picture (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) Led, headed over 5f out, ridden to lead again over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 5th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Eligible (9-5) at Southwell 7f hcp (5) pol in Dec.
She's The Danger (IRE) 14-1 (9-5) Keen raced wide, close up, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 11th of 14, 5 1/2l behind Silks Pass (9-2) at Southwell 7f hcp (5) pol in Dec.
Hackness Harry 7-2fav (9-6) Held up in last pair, headway looking for room when raced awkwardly inside final 2f, strong run inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 4th of 9, 1 3/4l behind Elusive Treat (9-7) at Kempton 6f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Blackjack 2-1 (9-11) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner entering final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Walking On Clouds (9-9) at Southwell 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Catesby 14-1 (9-0) Restless in stalls, dipped when gates opened, mid-division on outside, weakened from 2f out, last of 10, 18 1/2l behind Beattie Is Back (9-9) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (5) pol in Dec.
