tracked leaders, weakened 1f out
tracked leader, weakened 2f out
held up, kept on from over 1f out
mid-division, weakened 3f out
held up mid-division,chased leaders over 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on
led, headed over 1f out, one pace
held up in touch, weakened over 2f out
chased leaders, quickly weakened over 2f out
slowly away, in rear, headway over 2f out, no impression over 1f out
A fiercely competitive affair in which JUST BOND is the pick with Red Somerset and My Gacho likely to have their supporters. Geoff Oldroyd's course and distance specialist does not have the greatest of draws this afternoon but he is entirely genuine and will attempt to plug on from off the home turn. Red Somerset represents a yard that have enjoyed some success this winter. He won a claimer on Boxing Day though has needed some help from the assessor as far as handicaps were concerned. My Gacho has given connections many a big day in the past. He won four times on the turf last season including a beating of the very useful Elna Bright. One Slick Chick was posted as a doubtful runner though the filly would be very much of interest if taking this engagement. River Ardeche would be a great farewell for North Yorkshire handler, Patrick Haslam. Justcallmehandsome has done most of his winning in lesser grade though he goes well at the course and in particular, for this jockey. Caprio needs little introduction to followers of all weather racing while Southwell scorer, Follow The Flag, does stay this trip and would be one to consider if the market spoke favourably. Just Bond gets the nod.
Just Bond (IRE) 18-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden inside final furlong, kept on, 3rd of 11, 1l behind Winter Fever (9-1) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (0-90) (3) pol in Jan.
My Gacho (IRE) 20-1 (8-5) Led, headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 5th of 7, 4l behind Autumn Blades (8-5) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Jan.
Caprio (IRE) 9-4fav (9-5) Tracked leader, driven over 2f out, led 1f out, held on well final furlong, won at Wolverhampton 7f clm stks (6) pol in Jan beating Bahamian Kid (9-1) by 1/2l, 5 ran.
Follow The Flag (IRE) 6-1 (8-13) Always behind, 5th of 11, 6l behind Ours (8-12) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-80 (4) fbs in Jan.
Red Somerset (USA) 4-1 (8-10) Held up, ridden 2f out, headway soon after, kept on one pace final furlong, 4th of 7, 1 1/2l behind Thunderball (8-11) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
River Ardeche 50-1 (8-11) Prominent, ridden and weakened well over 2f out, 8th of 11, 19l behind Ours (8-12) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-80 (4) fbs in Jan.
Arabian Flame (IRE) 7-2 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden and effort 2f out, outpaced over 1f out, 4th of 12, 7l behind Bridge Of Gold (9-3) at Newbury 1m 3yo mdn (4) sft in Apr.
Fandango Boy 25-1 (9-2) Chased leaders until weakened over 1f out, 8th of 10, 10l behind Divine Force (8-12) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Justcallmehandsome 14-1 (8-10) Chased leader, led narrowly 2f out, ridden over 1f out, soon headed, no extra inside final furlong, last of 6, 3 1/2l behind Hereford Boy (9-1) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
One Slick Chick (IRE) 4-1 (8-6) Held up, headway over 3f out, led 1f out, ran on, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f mdn stks (5) pol in Feb '09 beating Shaws Diamond (8-5) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
