tracked leaders, weakened from 2 out
in rear and in touch, headway before 3 out, went 2nd before last, ridden run-in, kept on and edged left, always held by winner
tracked leader, led 5 out, ridden after last, kept on well
led, headed 5 out, tracked winner, ridden before 2 out, kept on same pace
Tim Vaughan's yard is still under a bit of cloud so The Wallace Line is best watched returning from a break. Maxie T won easily at Kelso in December but couldn't follow up here off his new mark last month and may find MINSTRELS GALLERY (NAP) too good on today's terms. Lucy Wadham's charge was below par in a Grade 3 at Ascot last month but his earlier form stands up to scrutiny and he handles the mud. Bowdler's Magic was successful over course and distance in November but has just gone off the boil a little and looks high enough in the handicap now.
The Wallace Line (IRE) 9-2 (9-10) Tracked leaders, ridden 5f out, effort over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 3rd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Belrog (10-0) at Wolverhampton 2m 1f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Maxie T 9-2 (11-4) In rear, ridden and headway before 2 out, went 4th from last, never dangerous, 4th of 10, 16 3/4l behind One For Harry (11-7) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Jan.
Minstrels Gallery (IRE) 33-1 (10-1) Held up in rear, under pressure 5 out, never dangerous, 12th of 17, 34 1/2l behind Rock The Kasbah (11-5) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (1) sft in Jan.
Bowdler's Magic 12-1 (11-12) Close up, chased clear winner 3 out, beaten next, 2nd of 7, 28l behind Actinpieces (11-4) at Fakenham 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Jan.