soon chasing leader, led 4th, ridden and headed 2 out, stayed on same pace
held up, headway approaching 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, not fluent last, no extra flat
held up, hit 2nd, pecked 3rd, headway 4th, weakened 3 out
chased leaders, led 2 out, mistake last, ridden out
in touch, lost place when mistake 4th, soon well behind
in touch, headway 4th, weakened after 3 out
in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened before next
not fluent, led to 4th, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
behind, ridden and headway approaching 2 out, stayed on well flat, never nearer
mid-division, headway 4th, ridden 3 out, weakened after next
The vote here goes to Martha's Kinsman ahead of Swift Swallow and Bishop's Bridge. Martha's Kinsman came good at Taunton last time, battling on well when the occasion demanded. This track should suit, and this well-bred gelding looks set to go well in race that seems to lack strength in depth. Swift Swallow has not done too much wrong yet and, given that this is his type of level, he too has to be granted respect, and Bishop's Bridge's second to Billyvoddan over two-and-a-half miles two runs ago, rates as decent enough form in the context of this race. Of the others, Larch, River Indus, The Needler and Nautic strike us as possible improvers, and the betting should be viewed with regard to the chances of Malay. Finally, Promises has hinted at ability but, overall, it is very hard to get away from the chances of Martha's Kinsman, who gets a solid vote.
Martha's Kinsman (IRE) 9-2 Held up in touch, headway on bit after 3 out, led approaching last, hard ridden flat, all out, won at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (D) gs beating Montgermont by a shd, 12 ran.
Swift Swallow 10-3fav Held up, headway 5th, chased leaders 3 out, mistake next, weakened before last, 3rd of 11, 15l behind Briery Fox at Fakenham 2m 4f nh nov hdl (D) gd in Feb.
Alfadora Alflora gelding, half-brother to winning sprinter Rileys Dream.
Charlton Kings (IRE) fell in race won by Never Compromise at Thurles Points 3m hts chs sft in Jan, 10 ran.
The Needler (IRE) 13-2 Led 2f, chased leaders, ridden over 5f out, weakened over 4f out, 7th of 11, well behind Don And Gerry at Ludlow 2m nhf (H) gs in Jan.
Bishop's Bridge (IRE) 11-1 Towards rear, headway after 3 out, ridden 2 out, one pace, 5th of 13, 37l behind Senor Sedona at Wincanton 2m 6f nh nov hdl (C) sft in Feb.
Hey Boy (IRE) 33-1 Held up in mid-division, ridden 6th, soon weakened, 9th of 11, well behind Demarco at Fontwell 2m 2f nh nov hdl (E) gs in Feb.
Larch (IRE) 20-1 Close up, under pressure 3f out, soon beaten, 8th of 18, 25l behind Hobbs Hill at Kempton 2m nhf (H) gd in Jan.
