held up last, headway 7th, left in lead 2 out, hard ridden flat, headed final 100 yards, no extra
prominent, ridden and lost place 7th, weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, one pace
prominent, headway and chased leaders 7th, led approaching 2 out, ridden and 6 lengths clear when fell 2 out
held up towards rear, ridden 7th, kept on one pace from 3 out
held up, blundered 1st, mistake and lost place 6th, pulled up before 2 out
chased leader, ridden and lost place 7th, soon weakened
held up towards rear, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
held up in mid-division, headway approaching 6th, soon ridden, weakened 3 out
held up in mid-division, reminder after 5th, ridden and headway after 7th, chased leader approaching 2 out, went left after last, ran on to lead final 100 yards, all out
prominent, chased leader 4th, ridden and lost place 6th, weakened
held up towards rear, ridden and headway from 6th, weakened after 3 out
A tricky race for punters can go to Linnet, although there are plenty of dangers lurking in the shape of Haggle Twins, Kipsigis and Beau Michel. The selection finished runner-up last time out at Hereford after getting caught up the run-in, and looks to hold solid claims assuming he lasts home over this slightly longer trip. After a quiet spell, Ian Williams' horses are starting to hit some good form and he gets the nod. Kipsigis disappointed last time out and it may just be that the handicapper has got a hold over him, however we must give him another chance and he has the ability to go well on ground that suits. Haggle Twins put up a really gutsy effort to make all at Southwell three weeks ago, and will be sure to give it another good go today. However an 8lb rise will make it trickier, so he is opposed, along with Beau Michel. It is assumed that better ground will suit better, however he makes his handicap debut today so should be watched for signs of confidence at his trainer's favourite track. Sultan Fontanaille could go well at a price if he has got over his poor run last time out, however we will return to Linnet to lead them home.
Nathos (GER) 33-1 (9-10) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway approaching 2 out, stayed on, nearest finish, 6th of 16, 5l behind Taranis (10-3) at Sandown 2m 6f hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) gs.
Daryal (IRE) 12-1 (10-6) In touch, ridden 3 out and soon weakened, 6th of 17, 16l behind Verasi (10-4) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl (2) sft in Jan.
Haggle Twins (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Made all, stayed on well from last, hung right, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) sft in Jan beating Burntoakboy (10-9) by 1l, 7 ran.
Golden Bay 22-1 (9-11) Prominent, ridden and every chance approaching 2 out, kept on same pace, 7th of 16, 7l behind Taranis (10-3) at Sandown 2m 6f hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) gs.
Absolut Power (GER) 25-1 (11-0) Led after 1st, headed 3 out, soon ridden and switched right, stayed on well under pressure flat, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Rio De Janeiro (10-7) at Stratford 2m 3f hcp hdl (2) gs.
Kipsigis (IRE) 4-1 (11-8) Not fluent, mid-division, brief effort before 3 out, soon weakened, 8th of 13, 39l behind Alfasonic (11-2) at Lingfield 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Jan.
Rosecliff 10-1 (11-9) Held up, pushed along after 7th, soon outpaced, 6th of 12, 26l behind Great Approach (10-5) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd.
Sultan Fontenaille (FR) 16-1 (10-1) Held up in mid-division, not fluent 6th, weakened approaching 3 out, behind when pulled up in race won by Rushneeyriver (10-8) at N Abbot 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs in Aug, 16 ran.
Aristoxene (FR) 6-1 (10-12) Held up mid-division, hit 12th, ridden and soon weakened, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Kandjar D'allier (11-4) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) hvy in Dec, 14 ran.
Beau Michel (FR) 8-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, ridden 3 out, never in contention, 7th of 9, 21l behind William Bonney (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m 1f nov hcp hdl (3) hvy in Jan.
Xellance (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Held up and always in rear, 12th of 13, well behind Kanad (11-3) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Jan.
Linnet (GER) 15-8fav (11-2) Tracked leaders, led after 5th, ridden 2 out, headed and one pace last, 2nd of 5, 4l behind Miss Mitch (11-2) at Hereford 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) sft in Jan.
