led, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened final furlong
never better than mid-division
in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, not reach winner
prominent, ridden over 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
in touch, led 3f out, driven over 1f out, kept on gamely final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
towards rear, effort over 2f out, no impression
mid-division, effort over 3f out, soon beaten
dwelt and towards rear, headway 2f out, one pace final furlong
This is another competitive event and Ragad, Count Cougar and Mill By The Stream all look to have solid claims with the final vote given to Ragad. The selection was having his first run on the fibresand when he scored decisively here last time. He remains unexposed and he looks like one to stay on the right side of at present. Count Cougar won well last time but he does have a penalty for that success and we think that just be enough to scupper his hopes of winning again today. Mill By The Stream just scrambled home last time over this course and distance when beating Monda so again he might find life tough under his penalty. Winthorpe has been a little disappointing of late but there is no doubt that he is capable of getting competitive in this type of event. However, Ragad looks a progressive type and should prove too strong for the rest.
Larky's Lob 8-1 (8-7) Led, headed over 2f out, soon ridden, every chance 1f out, unable to quicken near finish, 3rd of 13, 1 1/2l behind La Colline (8-6) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs in Dec.
Winthorpe (IRE) 10-1 (8-5) Prominent, ridden 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 13, 9l behind Hamaasy (8-2) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Cleveland 8-1 (8-3) Prominent, weakened over 2f out, 11th of 13, 13l behind Dudley Docker (8-5) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Hamaasy 7-2 (8-11) With leader, led over 3f out, headed over 1f out, no extra, 7th of 10, 8l behind Millfields Dreams (8-10) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Mill By The Stream 9-4 (8-13) Made most, ridden over 1f out, held on well, won at Southwell 6f hcp 0-50 (6) fbs beating Monda (8-10) by a shd, 10 ran.
Count Cougar (USA) 11-8fav (8-9) Made all, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well, won at Southwell 6f hcp (6) fbs beating Mind Alert (8-10) by 3l, 9 ran.
Came Back (IRE) 10-3fav (9-2) In touch, short of room and hampered 3f out, ridden to chase leaders approaching final furlong, not much room and kept on, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Miracle Ridge (9-2) at W'hampton 6f sll (6) pol.
Hits Only Cash 8-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 2l behind Dudley Docker (8-8) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Ragad 7-4fav (9-3) Keen, tracked leaders, led on bit over 1f out, shaken up and pushed clear, won at Southwell 6f mdn stk (5) fbs in Dec beating Et Dona Ferentes (8-12) by 5l, 8 ran.
Roman Empire 33-1 (8-7) Held up in touch, weakened over 2f out, last of 12, 30l behind Luckylover (9-2) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
Another Gladiator (USA) 9-1 (8-12) Never better than mid-division, 8th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Super Frank (9-2) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.