held up in touch, headway over 1f out, soon ridden to challenge, kept on same pace
led until over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, switched left to challenge over 1f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders, outpaced halfway, some late headway, never on terms
slowly into stride, always behind
always prominent, led over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on strongly
dwelt, always behind
After a more than comfortable success on his debut in these ranks BILLIE JEAN should take this sprint handicap ahead of hat-trick seeker Wanchai Whisper while Athwaab was eye-catching in the finish last time and rates as a danger. Michael Hills had little more than a steering job on the pick last time pushing him out in the final stages to win by an easy couple of lengths. Had he been carrying the extra nine pounds he has here that day he still would have won so if taking to the surface he should be scoring again. Whanchai Whisper couldn't be in better form having first taken a claimer and then just getting up when eight pounds better off in a handicap on his latest run. That mark rise seems a little harsh but he's looked an improved animal recently and could pose a few questions to the pick. Athwaab is closely matched with the one we've just mentioned based on their last meeting and was finishing the better so should also go close as should Kings Of Leo who represents a yard going well. There are a few in with chances here but only if Billie Jean is under par.
Wanchai Whisper 6-1 (8-7) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, headway when not clear run and switched left over 1f out, picked up well to lead inside final furlong, readily, won at Kempton 5f 2yo hco 0-75 (5) pol in Dec beating Athwaab (8-13) by 2l, 10 ran.
Kings Of Leo 5-1fav (8-9) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, unable to quicken, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 10, 2 1/4l behind Wanchai Whisper (8-7) at Kempton 5f 2yo hco 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Athwaab 7-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, in touch, not clear run on inside over 2f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong to take 2nd close home, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Wanchai Whisper (8-7) at Kempton 5f 2yo hco 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Billie Jean 8-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, led well over 1f out, pushed along and ran on well final furlong, comfortably, won at Southwell 5f 2yo hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec beating Turf Time (8-6) by 2l, 10 ran.
Blue Neptune 5-1fav (8-8) Disputed lead, ridden inside final furlong, faded, 6th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Wanchai Whisper (8-7) at Kempton 5f 2yo hco 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Boogie Waltzer 8-1 (8-4) Keen, led, ridden over 1f out, headed just inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 3rd of 5, 1l behind Kummel Excess (8-6) at Wolverhampton 5f 2yo mdn auc stks (5) pol in Dec.
Annia Galeria (IRE) 20-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, 13th of 18, 9l behind On The Piste (8-11) at Redcar 5f 2yo hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Sep.
