tracked leaders, went 2nd over 1f out, ridden and stayed on inside final furlong, led towards finish, bit in hand
wore hood to post, raced keenly tracking leader, ridden and lost 2nd over 1f out, 3rd and no impression final furlong
led and raced keenly, went clear 2f out, ridden and reduced lead inside final furlong, headed towards finish
always behind, hard ridden and ridden and outpaced over 2f out, ran on inside final furlong, almost snatched modest 3rd post
raced keenly in last pair, went 3rd on inside halfway, pushed along and lost 3rd inside final 2f, ridden and beaten over 1f out
Raajil returned from a lengthy absence to score at Southwell on his debut for new connections. But he’s penalised for that success and runner-up CHIM CHIMNEY can re-oppose on 7lb better terms so Richard Spencer’s charge can turn the tables. Flatley sets a decent standard rated 78 having placed in a handicap over track and trip last year but it’s difficult to make a case for any of the remainder unless Silver Dollar improved for this longer trip.
Raajil (IRE) 5-2jfav (9-2) Off the pace towards rear, good headway when not clear run and switched left 2f out, led entering final furlong, ridden and ran on well, won at Southwell 7f stks (5) pol in Dec beating Chim Chimney (9-2) by 1 1/4l, 9 ran.
Chim Chimney 25-1 (9-2) Slowly into stride and went right start, off the pace towards rear, headway out wide under pressure over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, went 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Raajil (9-2) at Southwell 7f stks (5) pol in Dec.
Flatley 15-2 (9-1) Steadied start, held up, hanging left bend 4f out, switched left over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 4th of 7, 6l behind Diavolo (9-1) at Kempton 7f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
Tistaahal 125-1 (9-7) Held up in mid-division, lost place over 3f out, well held final 2f, 10th of 12, 8 1/4l behind Thaki (9-5) at Newcastle 6f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Tea Garden 14-1 (9-0) Went sharply right start, behind, some late headway, 6th of 10, 9l behind Danni California (9-0) at Southwell 7f stks (5) pol in Dec.
Silver Dollar (IRE) 14-1 (10-0) In touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 10, 7 1/4l behind Oasis Irlandes (8-12) at Chelmsford City 6f mdn stks (5) pol in Jan.
