prominent, ridden over 2f out, edged left and weakened over 1f out
prominent, went 2nd over 6f out, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, headed close home
led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
steady start, held up, headway under pressure, 1f out, hung left briefly, stayed on inside final furlong to lead close home
took keen hold, prominent, ridden 3f out, weakened inside final furlong
chased leaders, pushed along 6f out, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
Just the six runners here with the race revolving around Blythe Knight. He is certainly capable of throwing in the odd stinker, but he can be forgiven a couple of poor runs over hurdles on unsuitable ground and he gets the nod to resume winning ways today, at the main expense of Hail The Chief. The selection's main aim is the Lincoln at Newcastle in March, however connections will be hoping to instill some lost confidence into their charge. Graham Gibbons rode him on his win in the Lincoln last year, and with this trip seeming to be his optimum he looks a solid selection. Hail The Chief was in consistently fine form last year, however he will need to strip fit after a 258-day break if the 10-year-old is to trouble the judge today. Atlantic Quest is consistent however he is now winless in 14 runs so cannot be truly fancied today in a better race, although it would be no surprise to see him gain some place money. Kindlelight Debut struggles to run a bad race, however she looks to be on a stiff-enough mark and so is passed over, as are Xtra Torrential and Curtail who both have something to prove at present, the latter over his stamina. Ultimately, Blythe Knight should be able to use this race as a confidence booster and is taken to land the spoils.
Atlantic Quest (USA) 11-2 (8-12) With leader, led over 2f out, headed and ridden over 1f out, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 10, 1l behind Atlantic Story (8-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Blythe Knight (IRE) 25-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 12th of 33, 13l behind Formal Decree (8-9) at Newmarket 1m 1f hcap (2) gs in Sept.
Hail The Chief 13-8fav (9-0) Chased leaders, pushed along halfway, hung right, weakened final furlong, last of 8, 2l behind Fajr (8-6) at Newmarket 1m hcap (3) gd in May.
Xtra Torrential (USA) 16-1 (9-3) Behind, ridden over 2f out, no headway, weakened over 1f out, last of 9, 8l behind Orchard Supreme (9-3) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Dec.
Curtail (IRE) 12-1 (8-11) Tracked leader, ridden and hung left over 1f out, kept on same pace, last of 4, 2 1/2l behind Vortex (8-12) at Lingfield 1m stk (4) pol in Dec.
Kindlelight Debut 25-1 (8-8) In rear, some late headway from over 1f out, never nearer, 6th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Red Spell (9-3) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-100 (2) pol.
