pulled hard, held up in touch, headway to go 3rd over 2f out, no impression final furlong
dwelt, in rear, hampered 1f out, switched right, stayed on towards finish, never near
pulled hard, tracked leaders, went 2nd 6f out, ridden to press winner inside final furlong, unable to quicken near finish
pulled hard, wide in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened and hung left 1f out
ran wide, held up, ridden over 2f out, hampered and short of room 1f out
made all, set steady pace, quicken 2f out, driven out
in rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on final f, never nearer
tracked winner until 6f out, lost place over 3f out, hampered 1f out
Nonrunner
DANIEL THOMAS can follow up a recent course success at the principal expense of Via Mia and Just Jimmy. The gelding appears to have become much more consistent for the application of a visor and with Ryan Clark one of the more exciting 7lb claimers; hopes are high. Via Mia is tried in cheekpieces this afternoon. There have been one or two disappointing runs of late though a perusal at his old form suggests that he is worthy of one of the market leaders' positions. David Evans has his yard in good form so don't overlook Just Jimmy. He won two handicaps in December though has struggled off his current BHA rating. Alf Tupper has been well backed at this course previously. Sir George has performed with credit in plating company with astonishing regularity though this engagement sees him pitched against a much better grade of horse. Networker would be dangerous if staying the trip. Daniel Thomas can defeat them all.
Shake On It 8-1 (9-3) Held up in rear, took keen hold, not clear run, switched left and headway over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 12, 1l behind Grey Command (8-12) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f Handicap (0-58) (4yo+) (6) pol.
Daniel Thomas (IRE) 9-4fav (8-13) Held up, led over 2f out, soon clear, eased towards finish, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f app sll stks (6) pol in Dec beating Ten Pole Tudor (9-3) by 12l, 8 ran.
Sir George (IRE) 6-5fav (9-0) Keen, made all, hung right 2f out, pressed well inside final furlong, found extra near finish, won at Wolverhampton 1m 1f sell stks (6) pol beating Kathleen Kennet (8-2) by hd, 8 ran.
Alf Tupper 7-2 (9-0) Tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Sir George (9-0) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f sell stks (6) pol.
Just Jimmy (IRE) 5-1 (9-0) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 9, 6l behind Divine Force (8-12) at Wolverhampton 7f app hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Networker 33-1 (9-6) Led, ridden and headed 1f out, no extra entering final furlong, 3rd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Desert Vision (9-13) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Dec.
Via Mia 2-1fav (8-4) Held up towards rear, headway under pressure 4f out, pushed along 3f out, soon no headway, 5th of 10, 15l behind Black Falcon (9-3) at Southwell 1m 3f sell stks (6) fbs.
Convince (USA) 11-4fav (9-0) Raced wide, in touch, ridden 3f out, driven and went 3rd inside final furlong, stayed on towards finish, 3rd of 10, 1l behind Madison Belle (8-6) at Southwell 7f sell stks (6) fbs.
Laafet 12-1 (8-12) Chased leaders over 4f, 11th of 12, 7l behind Totally Focussed (9-3) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-80 (4) pol.