held up in rear, ridden and effort over 1f out, no impression, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, not quicken over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
tracked leader, led over 5f out, ridden and headed well over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
took keen hold in rear, switched right over 2f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, kept on to go 2nd well inside final furlong, no impression on winner
slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, ridden over 2f out, challenged for 2nd inside final furlong, stayed on same pace
held up in touch, ridden and lost place over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
In a tight seven furlong handicap we'll just side with SMALLJOHN to overcome a six-pound penalty for a course and distance win last time ahead of last time seller success Kipchak and Seldom, who is weighted to be closer to the pick than on their last meeting.You'd be a brave punter to back against anything from Byran Smart's yard at the moment and the selection has been part of the Yorkshire trainer's recent success. An easy winner over course and distance last time he should be able to shoulder his penalty and follow up.Kipchak is a definite contender here despite getting up only in plating company at Lingfield last time. Connor Dore's charge did win over course and distance in a handicap in November but he's best when able to dominate and has competition for the lead in this line-up.Seldom was just short of three lengths behind the pick last time but should be able to close that gap on these revised terms. Mel Brttain has his string going well at the moment and Seldom should be able to take advantage if the pick is under par.Isheiadancer is more than capable when given the chance but she still looks high in the handicap so the best option appears to be a vote for Smalljohn to follow-up.
Ishiadancer 8-1 (8-5) Tracked leaders and keen, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Autumn Blades (8-10) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Blue Charm 20-1 (8-8) Reared in stalls, slowly away, never a factor, last of 12, 40l behind Celtic Change (9-8) at Beverley 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Jul.
Kipchak (IRE) 13-8fav (8-8) Made all at strong pace, came centre and driven over 1f out, rider dropped whip inside final furlong, found extra when challenged inside final furlong, won at Lingfield 7f Claimer (0-75) (4yo+) (6) pol in Jan beating Dichoh (9-4) by hd, 6 ran.
Kensington (IRE) 14-1 (8-10) Keen, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 10th of 12, 8l behind Smalljohn (8-10) at Wolverhampton 7f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.
Smalljohn 7-1 (8-10) Made most, ridden 3 lengths clear 2f out, stayed on, won at Wolverhampton 7f hacp 0-70 (5) pol beating Seldom (8-12) by 2 3/4l, 12 ran.
Seldom (IRE) 11-2 (8-12) Tracked winner until over 5f out, chased winner again 2f out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 12, 2 3/4l behind Smalljohn (8-10) at Wolverhampton 7f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.
Kingsmaite 22-1 (9-4) Prominent on outside, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, 7th of 8, 15l behind General Tufto (8-13) at Southwell 1m hcp (0-65) (6) fbs in Dec.