held up in touch, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong, always held
held up, effort 2f out, never troubled leaders
slowly into stride, held up behind, ridden over 1f out, never dangerous
slowly into stride, in rear and reminders, never dangerous
chased leaders until ridden and lost place 3f out
led, ridden and headed 1f out, faded and lost 2nd inside final furlong
chased leaders, kept on same pace final furlong
tracked leader, ridden to lead 1f out, kept on well
It really doesn't get any worse than this and NORDIC LIGHT is the most token of picks against Martingrange Lass and One Way Ticket. Rider, Luke Morris dropped the whip when holding every chance at Wolverhampton aboard the five-year-old and while it's impossible to suggest that it cost him the race, it certainly would not have helped matters. Admittedly, Nordic Light's recent formlines have not been good at this course but he has a fair draw this afternoon and if the rider can break smartly, he can make amends. Martingrange Lass represents a yard that has placed their horses well over the winter. She ran a creditable race from out of the handicap at Southwell and has been tongue-tied for the first time. One Way Ticket was the subject of decent support here last month but failed to show again. Desert Light has been on a long losing run and appears to need six furlongs these days. Similar comments apply to Spanish Ace while the market must be watched in relation to Itshim. He showed nothing in maidens on the turf but was notably backed from 14/1 into 3/1 on debut so he must have shown something at home beforehand. Nordic Light is the most reluctant of recommendations.
Desert Light (IRE) 14-1 (8-10) Held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 12, 2l behind Nawaaff (8-11) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Flying Indian 66-1 (8-9) Led, headed over 1f out, soon beaten, 9th of 13, 7l behind Mocha Java (8-4) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-50 (6) fbs in Jan.
Heavenly Encounter 33-1 (9-0) Steadied start, held up behind, raced keenly, never a factor and struggling over 2f out, 11th of 12, 7l behind Sherjawy (9-0) at Kempton 6f stk (7) pol in Jan.
Martingrange Lass (IRE) 66-1 (7-11) Chased winner, ridden and hung left halfway, one pace from over 1f out, 4th of 6, 4l behind Efisio Princess (9-1) at Southwell 6f fll hcp (5) fbs in Jan.
Nordic Light (USA) 7-1 (8-8) Disputed lead 1f, chased leaders, soon slightly outpaced, closed well over 1f out, ridden to lead entering final furlong, rider soon dropped whip, headed last strides, 2nd of 12, hd behind Nawaaff (8-11) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
One Way Ticket 11-2co-fav (9-8) Tracked leader, ridden 2f out, effort over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 12, 5l behind Convince (9-1) at Kempton 6f Stks (41-45) (7) pol in Jan.
Spanish Ace 4-1 (9-3) Prominent, led over 2f out, hard ridden and no extra when headed inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 1 1/2l behind Honest Value (9-6) at W'hampton 5f app stk (7) pol in Jan.
Itshim 100-1 (8-12) Led, soon clear, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, soon weakened, last of 17, 35l behind Tudor Key (9-3) at Newmarket 1m 2yo mdn auc (4) gf in Sept.
