close up, ridden to lead narrowly 2f out, headed and kept on one pace 1f out
led, ridden and headed narrowly 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up, ridden and weakened 2f out
always in rear, weakened over 2f out
tracked leaders, switched right over 1f out, ridden to lead 1f out, headed post
held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, never nearer
tracked leader until ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, stayed on to lead post
held up, ridden and headway to track leaders 2f out, weakened final furlong
in rear, very wide into straight 2f out, soon ridden, kept on final furlong nearest finish
NEW STAR might under top-weight for this one mile one furlong handicap but Mark Brisbournes runner still looks fairly treated in the context of this race and therefore has the verdict while both Monreale and Such Optimism have to be respected racing off career low marks. With a 25% strike rate at this track the selection has maintained a decent level of form since scoring in a claimer last March. There was a lot to like about the way he returned from an absence in selling company last time and now fitter he looks set for a good run under a fair mark back in the handicap ranks. Monreale was a Group Class racer in Germany but as a result has suffered at the hands of the handicapper since taking up residence in the UK. Jumping looks to be in this one's furture but with further weight removed from his back he needs respecting. Also to a new career low rating is Such Optimism who started life under high marks in handicaps after contesting some warm maiden contests. As his mark as fallen he's got better and he is beginning to look competitive. King Of Connaught races two pounds out of the handicap but is more than capable of a challenge in this line-up but the form animal is New Star who can get back in front.
New Star (UAE) 5-1 (8-13) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, no impression, 2nd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Theocritus (8-13) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f sell stks (6) pol.
Such Optimism 3-1 (8-7) Mid-division, pushed along over 4f out, plugged on one pace final 2f, 4th of 11, 5l behind Wicked Daze (9-7) at Kempton 1m 4f clm stks (6) pol.
All About You (IRE) 11-2 (9-11) Slowly into stride, towards rear, lost touch over 2f out, last of 9, 16l behind Misaro (9-7) at Kempton 6f clm stks (6) pol in Nov.
Monreale (GER) 17-2 (9-6) Held up, pushed along and headway 3f out, effort over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 9l behind I'm In The Pink (9-3) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) hvy in Nov.
Alqaahir (USA) 16-1 (9-6) Held up, never dangerous, 10th of 11, 8l behind Jeer (9-6) at Lingfield 1m 2f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.
Bid For Glory 10-3 (9-4) Held up, ridden over 2f out, not troubled leaders, 10th of 12, 10l behind Intersky Charm (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Oct.
New Beginning (IRE) 9-2 (8-9) Prominent, effort over 3f out, soon beaten, 12th of 13, well behind Timocracy (9-3) at Pontefract 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Apr.
Hannicean 14-1 (9-4) Very slowly away, lost all of 12 lengths, behind, tailed off 6f out, virtually pulled up from 3f out, last of 11, well behind Castle Myth (8-7) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Nov.
Grit (IRE) 22-1 (9-6) Led until over 2f out, weakened quickly, last of 12, 14l behind Sedgwick (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
King of Connacht 17-2 (9-5) Held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 1 1/2l behind Make Amends (9-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
