tracked leaders, challenging when hit 3 out, soon ridden, hung left under pressure after last, kept on well
always behind, tailed off
held up in touch, outpaced after 3 out, effort approaching last, stayed on strongly
in touch, under pressure 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up next
held up in last, headway 4 out, under pressure approaching 2 out, hard ridden to lead after last, stayed on under pressure
soon mid-division, headway before 3 out, soon chasing leaders, not fluent next, stayed on strongly under pressure
behind, under pressure 3 out, eased before next
in touch, led approaching 6th, blundered 2 out, soon headed, weakened flat
mid-division, weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, not fluent 4th, soon lost place, headway 6th, chased leaders approaching 3 out, no impression after
led, keen early, headed after 6th, weakened quickly, soon tailed off
Hold Em can win a fascinating renewal of this contest with Middleton Dene respected and Matuhi one that could go well at a price. The selection showed a decent level of form in bumpers before winning his hurdling bow at Hereford and running second to Aigle D'Or at Cheltenham. There should be more to come from him and he can make the most of the weight that he receives. Lightning Strike and Crocodiles Rock both have to bounce back from below par displays as well as having to carry penalties. As does Middleton Dene who has gone from strength to strength and whose form is working out well but he lacks a recent run whilst Checkerboard and Theatre Dance are both stepping up in grade. That comment also applies to Matuhi but he ran a good second to Numide on his hurdling bow which arguably makes him of more interest but all three are respected. Hold Em has the form in the book though and is favoured by the weights and is consequently awarded our vote.
Lightning Strike (GER) 3-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out and pulled up at the last in race won by Souffleur (11-7) at Newbury 2m 5f nov hdl Grd 1 (1) sft in Dec, 9 ran.
Crocodiles Rock (IRE) 2-5fav (12-2) Held up, headway 7th, led after 2 out, headed flat, not run on, 2nd of 16, 1l behind Pettifour (11-6) at Hereford 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Middleton Dene (IRE) 11-2 (11-1) Held up, headway 6th, challenged next, led before last, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (3) gs in Oct beating Ashwell (11-6) by 2l, 7 ran.
Checkerboard (IRE) 5-6fav (10-12) Prominent, led after 4 out, hit 2 out, soon ridden, driven out flat, won at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd in Dec beating The Gleaner (10-12) by 2l, 7 ran.
Hold Em (IRE) 5-1 (11-9) In touch, took closer order 6th, ridden to challenge approaching last, kept on under strong pressure, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Aigle D'or (11-9) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gs in Jan.
Junior 10-1 (11-5) Chased leaders until 3 out, weakened before next, 10th of 11, well behind Aigle D'or (11-9) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gs in Jan.
Kingscape (IRE) 13-2 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway after 5th, went 4th 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 4th of 18, 7l behind Group Captain (11-0) at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Matuhi 15-8fav (10-12) Mid-division, headway 8th, led 2 out, ridden out, won at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gd in Jan beating Fal Agh Bagh (10-12) by 4l, 16 ran.
Ogee 11-2 (11-4) Chased leaders, ridden in close 3rd approaching 2 out, held when left 2nd last, 2nd of 13, 7l behind King Jack (11-4) at Kempton 2m 5f nov hdl (4) sft.
Theatre Dance (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Prominent, headway 6th, led 3 out, mistake 2 out, soon ridden, kept on well from last, won at Fontwell 2m 2f nh nov hdl (4) sft beating Supreme Ruler (11-9) by 3l, 12 ran.
Tickers Way 80-1 (10-13) With leader, blundered 6th when weakening, tailed off, 16th of 18, well behind Runthatpastmeagain (11-4) at Wetherby 2m 3f mdn hdl (5) gs.
