prominent, ridden and edged right over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, effort over 2f out, not clear run over 1f out, ran on towards finish
led over 5f out, headed 2f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
slowly into stride, took keen hold in rear, ran on inside final furlong, not reached winner
mid-division, headway under pressure 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
pulled hard, soon steadied, held up, effort when hanging left over 1f out, never dangerous
raced keenly, led, headed over 5f out, tracked leader, led again 2f out, headed inside final furlong, not quicken
slowly into stride, held up, switched left inside final furlong, no progress, soon eased
tracked leaders, went 2nd over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on (hand timed)
A few of these have raced in claimers so a tricky task for punters to equate that form to handicaps proper and we side with YUNGABURRA at the expense of Silvanus and Musical Spirit. A six time winner at the course, there is no getting away from the fact that he was disappointing last time out. However, that slowness from the gate may have been exaggerated by the presence of a number of proven trailblazers in the race. In a tough race, he is the percentage call. Silvanus has been competitive off this mark in the recent past. It is somewhat surprising that connections have not gone for headgear tonight. Kempton specialist, Musical Spirit, has gone up the weights significantly for some fair efforts and the handicapper is showing little mercy. Northern Empire had victory snatched from his grasp at Lingfield Park by the flying Chjimes. That said, the time figure posted was particularly quick. Soopacal has been on a long losing run though has obliged at this track in the past. Carcinetto is in a relatively similar predicament though the yard are sending out winners. Methaaly faced a stiff task on return from absence and may conceivably come on for the run since. Yungaburra is our idea of the winner.
Soopacal (IRE) 7-2 (8-9) Behind, ridden over 2f out, stayed on, never able to challenge, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Matsunosuke (9-3) at Great Leighs 6f hcp 0-95 (3) pol.
Yungaburra (IRE) 5-2 (9-4) Slowly into stride, held up, headway well over 1f out, challenged inside final furlong, not quicken towards finish, 3rd of 6, 3/4l behind Dvinsky (8-13) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Carcinetto (IRE) 25-1 (8-5) Held up, stayed on well final furlong, 7th of 19, 6l behind Skhilling Spirit (8-7) at Doncaster 6f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Oct.
Methaaly (IRE) 25-1 (8-9) Held up, headway when switching left over 1f out, faded, 7th of 9, 4l behind Councellor (8-10) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Dec.
Dressed To Dance (IRE) 18-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, stumbled over 3f out, driven over 2f out, never able to challenge, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Dvinsky (9-4) at Great Leighs 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Northern Empire (IRE) 7-2 (8-11) Pressed leader after 1f, every chance inside final furlong, took 2nd final stride, 2nd of 9, hd behind Chjimes (8-10) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Silvanus (IRE) 10-11fav (9-2) Held up in touch, headway halfway, ridden, every chance over 1f out, always held, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Godfrey Street (8-7) at Great Leighs 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Musical Script (USA) 9-2 (8-7) Held up towards rear, headway 2f out, soon chasing leaders, stayed on under pressure, 2nd of 8, nk behind Mogok Ruby (8-9) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Sir Nod 22-1 (9-9) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, soon weakened, 9th of 17, 5l behind Makshoof (9-10) at Haydock 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Jul.