tracked leaders, travelled well 2f out, not clear run 1f out, stayed on again close home
pushed along early, smooth progress on inner 2f out, quickened up to lead 1f out, comfortably
disputed lead early, narrow lead 2f out, still every chance 1f out, weakened final 110 yards
away well, soon led, pushed along 2f out, squeezed for room 1f out, weakened
tracked leaders, pushed along 2f out, disputing lead 1f out, not pace of winner close home
midfield, driven along before halfway, slight progress 2f out, wide on entering straight, one pace
towards rear, pushed along before 3f out, wide entering straight, not a factor
towards rear, keen early, pushed along 2f out, wide entering straight, stayed on well inside final furlong
pushed along early, towards rear, ridden along 3f out, edged right entering straight, weakened thereafter
The Hulk finished just ahead of Elladora when second last time at Newcastle but there is little between the pair on today’s terms, though both should again beat Kevin The Minion. There is nothing between Donny Marlow and Stay Smart, 1-2 at Lingfield, on the form book. OBTUSE needs forgiving a poor run at Kempton 12 days ago but is back in the right grade and on his favoured surface and stall three looks a decent draw. Exalted Leader was making his all-weather debut when a close third at Southwell and is the least exposed.
Obtuse (IRE) 9-1 (9-6) Driven to contest lead, pushed in 3rd before 3f out, ridden before 2f out, weakened before entering final furlong, well beaten, last of 5, 17 1/2l behind Elusive Treat (9-7) at Kempton 6f hcp (4) pol in Feb.
The Hulk 7-2 (9-7) Keen tracked leader, pushed along 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, headed towards finish, 2nd of 8, hd behind Royal Advice (8-11) at Newcastle 6f hcp (5) pol in Feb.
Stay Smart 11-4 (9-7) Raced wide close up, headway entering final furlong, ridden to lead inside final furlong, headed close home, 2nd of 7, hd behind Donny Marlow (9-2) at Lingfield 6f hcp (5) pol in Feb.
Donny Marlow (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Keen raced wide towards rear, pushed along over 1f out, ridden and ran on to lead close home, won at Lingfield 6f hcp (5) pol in Feb beating Stay Smart (9-7) by hd, 7 ran.
Exalted Leader 10-3 (9-0) Off the pace far side of group, headway 2f out, ridden and chased winner well over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra and lost 2nd post, 3rd of 6, 1/4l behind Sugar Dumpling (8-9) at Southwell 5f stks (5) pol in Feb.
Kevin The Minion 10-3fav (9-2) Led, ridden and headed inside final furlong, weakened towards finish, 6th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Royal Advice (8-11) at Newcastle 6f hcp (5) pol in Feb.
Elladora 16-1 (8-13) In rear, pushed along halfway, wide and headway entering final furlong, ridden and every chance inside final furlong, ran on, 3rd of 8, 1/4l behind Royal Advice (8-11) at Newcastle 6f hcp (5) pol in Feb.
Global Vision (IRE) 5-2 (9-6) Keen tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, one pace and lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 5, 4 1/4l behind It's A Love Thing (9-7) at Southwell 7f hcp (5) pol in Feb.
Rhode Island Girl 16-1 (9-7) Slowly into stride, behind, never on terms, 8th of 11, 5 3/4l behind Nurse Florence (9-6) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol in Feb.