always in rear, struggling final 3f
mid-division, driven along over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, pushed along halfway, went 3rd well over 1f out, chased weakening leader entering final furlong, closed to lead briefly well inside final furlong, headed and not pace of winner close home
towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, no chance final 2f
tracked leading pair, chased leader over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened inside final furlong
held up towards rear, headway and hung left over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong
steadied start, held up last, pushed along and plenty to do over 3f out, headway on wide outside over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, led close home
soon led, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
took keen hold, soon tracked leader, led 3f out, still 3 lengths ahead when ridden over 1f out, weakened and headed well inside final furlong, lost 2nd close home
stated very slowly, well behind, ridden and struggling 3f out, switched right over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish
held up towards rear, ridden on outside and struggling 3f out
Five course and distance winners in the field for this one and it is tough to decide between them so instead we opt for ELIZA DOOLITTLE who comes here after winning narrowly at Kempton in her latest appearance, whilst Dhhamaan is offered as an alternative and Crystallize is bred to enjoy this trip. The pick just got the better of Copperwood last time out and is only slightly higher in the ratings for that victory. She comes here after a long break and if fully fit should be able to see off the competition. Dhhamaan ran very poorly last time at this track and finished twenty-two lengths behind The City Kid. This is very off putting and we choose to swerve Ruth Carr's gelding. Crystallize running in the first time visor has improved with each run this year and if continuing this development could pose a danger to our selection. This is a very open handicap and although there are potential winners across the field we choose to go with Eliza Doolittle to grab the win.
Downhill Skier (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) Held up, headway over 2f out, never able to challenge, 5th of 11, 7l behind Istiqdaam (8-12) at Kempton 7f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Nov.
Crystallize 10-1 (9-5) In touch, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 3rd of 10, 2l behind Eager To Bow (9-2) at Brighton 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gf.
El Libertador (USA) 7-1 (9-3) Always prominent, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon led again, headed inside final furlong, unable to quicken, 2nd of 10, 2l behind The City Kid (8-12) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Villaruz (IRE) 28-1 (8-10) Held up behind, driven and outpaced over 2f out, soon ridden, never on terms, 6th of 7, 8l behind Bahamian Lad (9-3) at Nottingham 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
Eliza Doolittle 15-2 (9-0) Tracked leading pair, effort on inside over 2f out, driven to challenge over 1f out, driven to narrow advantage 150 yards out, all out, won at Kempton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Oct beating Copperwood (8-10) by shd, 14 ran.
Pipers Piping (IRE) 33-1 (9-2) Outpaced, always in rear, wide and struggling bend 2f out, 9th of 11, 5l behind Captain Coke (9-4) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Bold Diva 6-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 9th of 12, 15l behind Scruffy Skip (9-3) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in May.
Dhhamaan (IRE) 3-1fav (8-12) Slowly into stride, soon recovered to lead after 1f, headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 10, 22l behind The City Kid (8-12) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Towy Boy (IRE) 14-1 (8-3) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed near finish, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind Feet Of Fury (8-10) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Stargazy 50-1 (8-4) Steadied start, held up in rear, stayed on inside final furlong, never dangerous, 9th of 11, 4l behind Piccolo Express (8-9) at Warwick 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Tag Team (IRE) 85-40fav (8-10) Led narrowly, ridden over 1f out, headed 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 6l behind Saddlers Bend (8-7) at Wolverhampton 6f app hcp (0-50) (7) pol in Feb.
It's A Mans World 7-1 (9-9) Slowly into stride, soon held up in touch, weakened over 2f out, soon behind, last of 10, 29l behind Collect Art (9-2) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-60 (6) gd.
