in touch, headway to challenge leader over 1f out, no extra final furlong
led and set slow pace, headed 4f out, quickened up to lead approaching 2f out, kept on
tracked leaders, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, edged left and ran on
held up, headway to chase leader 6f out, led 4f out, headed approaching 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leader and pulled hard, ridden 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
Nonrunner
Nawamees can land the opener at the expense of Ponlygonal and Thyolo. The selection has been flip flopping from flat to jumps of late. He has finished third in each of his last two hurdle races but prior to that he was in winning form over this trip at Wovlverhampton. He seems in good order and is taken to get himself in the winner enclosure once more. Ponlygonal disappointed at Wolverhampton last time out after being fancied to win. Prior to that his form has read well as he was in winning action over course and distance back in January of last year and if able to recapture that form then he would have a chance. Having said that he seems expensive to follow at present so is best watched. Thyolo has not won for over four years so is another that has become frustrating. He has though in the past shown decent form so is to be noted in the betting market. But for the winner we return to Nawamees.
Alfie Tupper (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Keen, held up, mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Stark Contrast (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Nawamees (IRE) 3-1 (9-10) Disputed lead, definite advantage 5f out, joined and strongly pressed from 2f out, soon ridden, in command final 100 yards, stayed on well, won at W'hampton 1m 4f app clm (6) pol in Oct beating Torrens (9-9) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Musango 3-1 (9-11) Mid-division, short of room over 2f out, good headway to lead 1f out, ran on well, won at Lingfield 1m 4f sll (6) pol in Nov beating Annambo (9-11) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Thyolo (IRE) 10-1 (9-11) Held up, pushed along 3f out, ridden and behind when edged left 1f out, 7th of 9, 10l behind Dig Gold (8-12) at Warwick 1m 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Aug.
Maria Antonia (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) Steadied start, soon keen hold in mid-division, ridden to chase leaders 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, one pace, 6th of 16, 2 1/2l behind War of The Roses (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Nov.
Polygonal (FR) 9-2 (9-13) Held up and behind, headway on outside 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 13, 37l behind Salute (9-9) at W'hampton 1m 6f clm (6) pol.
