chased leader, led 4f out, ridden and edged left well over 1f out, headed 1f out, not quicken
head down as stalls opened and started slowly, held up, short lived effort on outside over 2f out, soon beaten
held up, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
led, ridden and headed 4f out, weakened over 3f out, eased final furlong
always prominent, went 2nd 2f out, led 1f out, ran on well
held up, not clear run briefly 2f out, headway shortly after, kept on towards finish
held up in touch, raced keenly, went 2nd over 3f out until 2f out, weakened over 1f out
Safari Sundowner, Garden Party and Machinate make most appeal in this handicap and the vote goes to Safari Sundowner. The selection is chasing the 4-timer here and he will be suited by this slight drop in trip today. He won with plenty in hand last time out and although he has more on his plate today, he is certainly improving with his racing and he rates as a solid bet. Garden Party looks the most viable alternative as he is a lightly-raced 4-year-old who has been running consistently well. He wasn't beaten far behind Reballo last time and a reproduction of that effort should see him go close. Machinate ran a fair race when last seen out back in third behind Rebellious Spirit but he appears to be in the grip of the handicapper at present. Jord has the plum draw and could prove best of the others, but for the winner we will stick with Safari Sundowner.
Safari Sundowner (IRE) 4-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, challenged over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on well, won at Lingfield 1m 2f hcap (5) pol beating Lord of Dreams (8-7) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Jord (IRE) 11-4 (9-2) Slowly into stride, behind, chased along, headway after 1f, ridden halfway, never dangerous, last of 6, 26l behind Intersky Charm (8-8) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Jan.
Garden Party 11-1 (9-2) Dwelt, soon prominent, lost place over 2f out, rallied under pressure to lead inside final furlong, headed near finish, 3rd of 9, hd behind Reballo (8-9) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Outlook 25-1 (9-2) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 8th of 9, 12l behind Teasing (9-5) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Yes One (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 6th of 8, 9l behind Bank On Benny (9-9) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Oct.
Machinate (USA) 11-2 (9-4) Always prominent, ridden just over 1f out, edged slightly right, not clear run and switched left inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 6, 3l behind Rebellious Spirit (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Punta Galera (IRE) 20-1 (8-0) Towards rear, ridden and no impression from over 2f out, 4th of 7, 7l behind Morbick (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (5) pol.
