led early, tracked leader until over 5f out, tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden 1f out, stayed on to go between rival horses inside final furlong, lead towards finish
soon led, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra towards finish
slowly into stride, in rear, ridden over 2f out, never a threat
towards rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong no impression
C&D winner ISLESMAN faded in the closing stages in better company than this over a mile at Lingfield on his handicap debut. The handicapper has seen fit to drop him 4lb since and Heather Main's charge gets the vote back at this venue. Palm Pilot will attract plenty of support after going close at Lingfield last time and Kingscroft is likely to make a bold bid from the front once again. Better Self could also figure back on Polytrack after a below par effort at Southwell.
Islesman 7-1 (9-3) Tracked leader, ridden to challenge over 1f out, soon one pace, 3rd of 4, 3 1/2l behind Tullius (9-0) at Lingfield 1m 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Palm Pilot (IRE) 7-2fav (9-1) Held up in touch, ridden and headway approaching 1f out, led well inside final furlong, headed post, 2nd of 7, shd behind Podgies Boy (9-7) at Lingfield 7f 2yo hco 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Kingscroft (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) Led, ridden and joined 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 7, 1l behind March On Beetroot (9-0) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Dec.
Better Self 9-4fav (9-4) Behind, headway on wide outside 2f out, stayed on to 3rd well inside final furlong, not pace to reach leading duo, 3rd of 7, 7l behind Granny Anne (8-8) at Southwell 7f 2yo hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec.
Irie Ute 9-4 (9-6) Chased leader until over 4f out, went 2nd again 3f out, ridden to challenge and disputing lead over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, soon weakened to 3rd, 3rd of 8, 7l behind Better Self (8-7) at Wolverhampton 7f 2yo hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec.