took keen hold, held up tracking leaders, ridden well over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, chased winner over 1f out, strong challenge inside final furlong, stayed on
held up, headway on inside 2f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong
made all, pushed along 3f out, stayed on gamely final furlong
chased winner, hung left over 1f out, soon ridden and weakened final 1f
Withdrawn
There was plenty to like about the way MASTER LEON won last time and we will put him forward to get the better of Playboy Blues and Capricornus. Bryan Smart has made a sparkling start to the year and Master Leon made a pleasing impression when beating Boy The Bell at Southwell last time. He is well drawn on his handicap debut today and we fancy him to get his nose in front again. Playboy Blues showed improved form to win here last month and he is another worth considering on his handicap debut. He looks to be have been allotted a fair mark and he is respected. Capricornus has not done a lot wrong so far and he could be of interest if he is allowed an easy lead, although the suspicion is that he may be seen to better effect when he is upped in trip. Transfixed has had a few chances and is readily opposed, returning us to Master Leon as the one to beat.
Transfixed (IRE) 11-2 (9-2) Led, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, last of 5, 8l behind Exceedthewildman (8-7) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Master Leon Evensfav (8-11) Made virtually all, ridden over 1f out, clear final furlong, stayed on well, won at Southwell 6f mdn stks (5) fbs beating Boy The Bell (8-11) by 3 1/2l, 5 ran.
Tiradito (USA) Evensfav (8-9) Held up, headway over 3f out, led over 1f out, stayed on well, won at Lingfield 7f mdn stks (5) pol beating Abhar (8-9) by 3l, 8 ran.
Cuthbert (IRE) 3-1 (9-0) Prominent, outpaced over 3f out, headway over 1f out, soon every chance, weakened close home, last of 4, 3l behind Prince Of Sorrento (9-2) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Capricornus (USA) 5-4fav (9-4) Held up in 4th, headway over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, not pace of winner, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Admiral Cochrane (9-3) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Playboy Blues (IRE) 7-2 (9-3) Tracked leaders, led over 4f out, stayed on well, won at Wolverhampton 7f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Dec beating Fusaichi Flyer (9-3) by 1 1/4l, 10 ran.