pulled hard and soon chasing leaders, weakening when hampered on bend 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up, headway 3f out to chase leaders, hard ridden final furlong to lead close home
soon led, weakening when headed over 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
reared start, held up, effort and headway on outside over 3f out, hard ridden and keeping on but edging right final furlong, every chance well inside final furlong, not run on close home
held up, effort over 2f out, kept on
held up, effort 3f out, headway and switched right over 1f out, kept on one pace
prominent, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed close home
This is a tricky handicap that can go the way of Breaker Morant; Amical Risks and Valley Observer rate as the main danger. The selection has got some fair form in Ireland and he made a really pleasing all-weather debut at Wolverhampton last time when chasing home Magic Warrior. The draw could have been kinder to him today, but nonetheless he does look the one they all have to beat. Amical Risks is a lightly-raced 4-year-old and he should be suited by this drop in trip after failing to get home last time at Kempton. That race has worked out well and he is afforded plenty of respect. Valley Observer is stepped-up in trip, but all his best form is over a mile and we are happy to take him on. Kansas Gold is from a yard in decent form and he could be worth a look in the market for each-way players. However, this looks a good opportunity for Breaker Morant who gets the vote.
Speagle (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Prominent, not clear run briefly over 2f out, soon weakened, 5th of 9, 12l behind Gamesters Lady (9-5) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec.
Kansas Gold 5-1 (8-12) Set moderate pace, quickened 4f out, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 6l behind Scamperdale (9-6) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Alexander Guru 7-2 (9-3) Chased leaders to over 2f out, weakened 2f out, 8th of 13, 9l behind Affrettando (9-3) at Kempton 7f mdn aut stk (6) pol in Dec.
Valley Observer (FR) 7-2fav (9-3) In touch, ridden over 3f out, stayed on same pace from over 1f out, 4th of 9, 5l behind Jord (9-0) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Dec.
Corrib (IRE) 18-1 (9-1) Led, pushed along over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, faded inside final furlong, last of 7, 5l behind Confidentiality (9-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
Breaker Morant (IRE) 11-2 (8-11) Tracked leaders, lead over 2f out, soon clear, ridden when headed and fading near finish, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Magic Warrior (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Amical Risks (FR) 10-3 (9-3) Prominent, led over 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 5th of 8, 1 1/2l behind Auntie Mame (8-12) at Kempton 1m 3f mdn aut stk (6) pol in Dec.
Western Roots 13-2 (9-3) Held up, headway and not clear run from just inside 2f out until 1f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 9, 1 1/2l behind Hatch A Plan (9-5) at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (6) pol.
Waterloo Corner 11-2 (8-13) Prominent, pushed along and outpaced halfway, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 10, 6l behind Dado Mush (8-0) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Dec.
