soon switched left, held up, ridden over 2f out, some progress and kept on
tracked winner, ridden over 2f out, fading when lost 2nd over 1f out
keen and soon in touch, chased winner over 1f out, kept on same pace
always in rear
made virtually all, ridden over 1f out, ran out
mid-division and keen, headway over 1f out, keeping on, hanging left from over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, soon lost place
It could be worth giving another chance to HELLBENDER in this handicap, and he is nominated over Dream Date and Trueblue Wizard. Sylvester Kirk's 3-year-old colt ran well but was narrowly beaten by Five Star Junior at Lingfield last time. The key to his chance today is the extra furlong though as he shapes as though it will suit and he can get back to winning ways. Dream Date is a filly in form but she had the run of the race at Lingfield last time when she beat Andean Margin and she could be vulnerable in her follow-up bid tonight. Trueblue Wizard won a maiden in good style at Southwell last time when he beat Manana Manana. He has to be of interest on his handicap debut, especially if the market speaks in his favour. Shaws Diamond has ability but she has looked regressive of late, and a safer bet looks to be Hellbender who has plenty in his favour and he can resume winning ways.
Grand Honour (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Towards rear, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, headway final furlong, never dangerous, 5th of 9, 6l behind Newlyn Art (8-9) at Lingfield 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Trueblue Wizard (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) Prominent, led halfway, ridden and ran on final furlong, won at Southwell 7f 2yo mdn (5) fbs in Dec beating Manana Manana (9-3) by 3l, 9 ran.
Shaws Diamond (USA) 11-4 (8-12) Prominent, ridden along when outpaced over 2f, stayed on towards finish, 3rd of 7, 11l behind Confucius Captain (9-3) at Southwell 7f 2yo mdn auc (6) fbs in Dec.
Citizenship 13-2 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 10th of 13, 13l behind Hail Promenader (9-3) at Redcar 7f 2yo mdn (4) gd in Oct.
Dream Date (IRE) 3-1 (8-2) Led after 1f, ridden and quickened over 1f out, soon well clear, reminders inside final furlong, pushed out, comfortably, won at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp (4) pol beating Andean Margin (8-7) by 2 1/2l, 4 ran.
Hellbender (IRE) 6-1 (8-7) In touch, ridden and not paced to challenge over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong to take 2nd final stride, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Five Star Junior (8-10) at Lingfield 6f 3yo hcp (4) pol.
Ajara (IRE) 9-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, ridden to lead over 2f out, kept on final furlong, won at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) pol in Dec beating Volochkova (9-0) by a nk, 11 ran.