in touch, ridden over 2f out, hard ridden inside final furlong, ran on to lead post
mid-division, ridden and behind from 4f out
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
slow away, in rear, headway on inner 2f out, ridden and no room final furlong, not recover
in touch, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up, ridden over 2f out, stayed on from over 1f out, no impression
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, one pace from over 1f out
with leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened final 2f
tracked leaders, ridden and outpaced over 3f out, kept on from over 1f out, no impression
Nonrunner
Merrymadcap has been in good form lately and can confirm his superiority over Jakarmi and Buscador, despite having a stiffer test under a 6lb penalty. The in-form Itcanbedone Again is also shortlisted as one to watch in the betting market, as the son of Sri Pekan is still well treated on the pick of his old form and, having proved himself capable back in handicap company, he holds each-way claims again here. Buscador likes his racing at Wolverhampton and, as six-time course winner, he can never be ruled out back at his favourite track. However, he needs everything to drop just right if he is going to get the better of the selection and now has a little to prove. Jakarmi has been banging on the door at this level and deserves a change of fortune. Still, he is on a very long losing run and his ability to find a few too strong in a finish has cost his supporters dearly. Therefore, we stick with Merrymadcap, who won with a bit in hand over course and distance 11 days ago and, as he faces a similar task this afternoon, there is every reason to expect a big run from the Michael Blanshard-trained gelding.
Merrymadcap (IRE) 16-1 (9-1) Held up, headway 2f out, edged left and led well inside final furlong, ran on, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol beating Jakarmi (9-2) by 2l, 13 ran.
Jakarmi 14-1 (9-2) Led, ridden 2f out, edged right and headed well inside final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Merrymadcap (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Orpendonna (IRE) 12-1 (8-9) Chased leader, ridden to lead over 2f out, hard ridden under pressure final furlong, ran on, won at W'hampton 1m 1f mdn stk (5) pol in Jan beating Art Elegant (9-0) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Sorbiesharry (IRE) 9-1 (8-8) Held up, headway on inside over 1f out, never nearer, 6th of 13, 6l behind Merrymadcap (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Augustine 11-4fav (9-3) Tracked leader, led 5f out, hard pressed from over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong until headed post, 2nd of 10, shd behind Turner's Touch (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Itcanbedone Again (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Led early, remained prominent, led approaching final furlong, ran on well, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol beating Latif (9-0) by a nk, 11 ran.
Buscador (USA) 25-1 (8-3) Prominent when went left after 1f, soon chasing leader, ridden over 3f out, close 3rd when not much room well inside final furlong, one pace, 3rd of 13, 2l behind Merrymadcap (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Farnborough (USA) 11-4fav (8-3) Mid-division, ridden and lost place over 3f out, 10th of 11, 14l behind Itcanbedone Again (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol.