keen led early, tracked leaders, chased winner 5f out, ridden 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on to go 3rd towards finish, never dangerous
led over 6f out soon steadied pace, made rest, ridden and wandered inside final furlong
steadied start, pulled hard in rear, ridden over 2f out, never nearer
keen and held up, headway to 3rd over 2f out, ridden and kept on to go 2nd inside final furlong
soon led, headed over 6f out, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
Nonrunner
Given their official marks we can only seriously give chances here to Fremen, Bazroy and APPALACHIAN TRAIL and we will side with the last-named. Noel Wilson's nine-year-old has a couple of course and distance wins to his name, including his most recent success, which also came in a claimer in November. We can easily put a line through his last effort at Southwell over 7f, which would not have suited as well as today's trip, and now freshened up after a break he can take advantage of the favourable weights here. On grounds of stamina, Fremen is preferred of the other leading pair. Dandy Nicholls' veteran has a very good strike rate for one at this level and tends to put in his best efforts in claiming company. Although better over a mile, he has won at this trip and should see it out better than Bazroy. The latter has scored over a mile, but tends to go better over 7f and if there is anything like a true gallop then he will be hard pressed to get home. With the Mark Hoad stable going well at present, Shake On It might emerge best of the remainder and given that he stays he might even nick a place if Bazroy comes up short. Watch the market for clues there, though for the win we will follow the Appalachian Trail.
Appalachian Trail (IRE) 12-1 (8-10) Held up, pushed along 4f out, behind from over 2f out, last of 9, 38l behind Imprimis Tagula (7-11) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-100 (2) fbs in Dec.
Bazroy (IRE) 16-1 (8-9) Held up in rear, headway 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, driven and ran on gamely to lead on line, won at Lingfield 7f hcp (2) pol in Dec '08 beating Markab (9-4) by shd, 9 ran.
Fremen (USA) 5-4fav (9-12) Awkward start, held up in 5th, switched left, headway over 2f out, ridden to go 3rd well over 1f out, soon edged left, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 7, 5l behind King of The Moors (9-2) at Musselburgh 1m 1f clm stks (5) gd in Sep.
Shake On It 4-1 (9-1) Took keen hold, held up in touch, headway going well when switched right over 1f out, ridden and edged left inside final furlong, no impression, 4th of 10, 3l behind Well Of Echoes (8-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f sell stks (6) pol in Feb.
Straight Face (IRE) 5-1 (9-6) Took keen hold, tracked leader, pushed along and every chance over 2f out, chased winner from 2f out, no impression and lost 2nd well over 1f out, 3rd of 10, 1 1/4l behind Well Of Echoes (8-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f sell stks (6) pol in Feb.
Flamestone 33-1 (9-0) Held up towards rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace, 8th of 13, 5l behind King Canute (9-3) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-50 (7) pol in Feb.
Remark (IRE) 40-1 (8-9) Too keen hold, held up in rear, ridden and struggling on outside over 2f out, 6th of 10, 8l behind Well Of Echoes (8-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f sell stks (6) pol in Feb.
