mid-division, ridden and some headway over 4f out, weakened final 2f
in rear, pushed along over 5f out, ridden and headway approaching 2f out, stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
steadied start, held up in rear, improved 6f out, chased leader over 4f out, led over 2f out, hung right and soon ridden clear
close up, ridden 7f out, weakened over 5f out, eased final 2f
soon pushed along in rear
mid-division, improved 6f out, went 3rd over 3f out, ridden to chase winner 2f out, weakened final furlong
led 1f, chased leader after, led again over 5f out, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened quickly over 1f out
slowly into stride, ridden to lead after 1f, headed over 5f out, soon weakened
Admirable veteran Makarim edges the verdict for selection over Tharua and Robbie Will, although Brother Cadfael also has each-way claims on the pick of his efforts. The last named acts on this surface and goes well at this time of year. He is exposed as ordinary though, and needs everything to fall into place if he is going to add to he meagre tally of just one previous win. Robbie Will has also been an expensive horse to follow under both codes of racing. However, he doesn't have too many miles on the clock and, as this is his level, it will not be surprising to see him go close this afternoon. Robbie Will has form that ties in with a number of these and is open to improvement on the surface. Frank Jordan's charge handled the track well on his recent All Weather debut and he should be capable of a bold show in this company. Similar comments apply to Tharua, who is something of a Southwell specialist. The four-year-old has solid claims on the best of her recent efforts and will be hard to keep out of the frame. Nevertheless, Makarim just makes a touch more appeal on these terms. The selection is a wily old character that already has three previous course wins to his name. Admittedly, his limitations are there for all to see and he would not be the strongest betting proposition of the day. But he is on a mark 37lb lower than the last time he was successful and, as he has the least to prove out of those on show, he is given one more chance to come good.
Brother Cadfael 50-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, lost place over 8f out, 6th of 13, 17l behind Cotton Eyed Joe (9-6) at Southwell 1m 6f banded stk (7) fbs.
Logger Rhythm (USA) 66-1 (8-7) Tracked leaders, pushed along and lost place over 4f out, soon beaten, 6th of 9, 21l behind Moon Emperor (9-9) at Southwell 2m hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
Makarim (IRE) 15-2 (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 13, 6l behind Mister Completely (9-5) at W'hampton 2m 1f banded stk (7) pol.
Radiant Bride 50-1 (9-0) Held up, ridden, headway over 5f out, soon weakened, last of 13, well behind Cotton Eyed Joe (9-6) at Southwell 1m 6f banded stk (7) fbs.
Robbie Will 50-1 (9-0) Behind, never on terms, 5th of 13, 16l behind Cotton Eyed Joe (9-6) at Southwell 1m 6f banded stk (7) fbs.
Tharua (IRE) 6-1 (8-9) Mid-division, not clear run over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, never dangerous, 6th of 13, 11l behind Mister Completely (9-5) at W'hampton 2m 1f banded stk (7) pol.
Kerry's Blade (IRE) 12-1 (8-8) Held up, ridden, weakened over 3f out, 8th of 13, 19l behind Cotton Eyed Joe (9-6) at Southwell 1m 6f banded stk (7) fbs.
Mist Opportunity (IRE) 50-1 (8-4) Always, 12th of 14, 17l behind Beaumont Girl (8-6) at Thirsk 7f 2yo sll (F) gs in Aug '04.
