tracked leader, slightly outpaced 2f out, led well inside final furlong, ran on
in touch, keen, ridden and every chance approaching final furlong, no extra
tracked leaders, weakened over 1f out
led, shaken up 3f out, ridden and headed well inside final furlong, faded
held up, reminders 9f out, ridden halfway, kept on one pace from over 1f out
At just two pounds out of the handicap Sir Liam could be dangerous off bottom weight but with Rawdon once again proving frustrating we like the look of BELL ISLAND. The gelding was a winner over course and distance last time in an almost identical contest and comes here under a mark raised by just three pounds. The form from the contest has been franked both over hurdles and on the level and chances are good for Richard Hughes' mount to follow up. Tom Dascombe has had his string in fine fettle all winter and Sir Liam has held his form well since landing a seller over a longer trip three starts back. In handicap company since he has handled this mark, however this trip might be on the sharp side. All of Rawdon's best form is at Southwell and he is yet to prove an aptitude for the polytrack. Still this will be his first attempt on it for his current yard and they do seem to have found the key to get him running well again albeit without winning. Dramatic Solo looks weighted to be competitive returning to a rating just two pounds heavier than his last gold, which came three starts ago, but will have to improve on recent efforts to beat selection Bell Island.
Bell Island 8-1 (9-7) Held up in touch, chased leader over 1f out, soon carried head high, cajoled to lead towards finish, won at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Feb beating Tyrrells Wood (9-4) by a nk, 14 ran.
Rawdon (IRE) 13-2 (8-13) Soon tracked leader, led over 5f out, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 5, 2 1/2l behind They All Laughed (9-5) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Apache Fort 3-1 (9-4) Tracked leader, ridden to lead 2f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 6, 2l behind Phoenix Flight (9-5) at Lingfield 1m 4f clm (6) pol.
Ross Moor 20-1 (9-1) Started slowly, always in rear, weakened quickly over 2f out, tailed off, 8th of 9, 27l behind Novikov (9-9) at Sandown 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Aug.
Dramatic Solo 2-1fav (8-13) Keen, close up, led over 6f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 7, 8l behind Wyeth (8-13) at Lingfield 2m app hcp (5) pol in Feb.
Cash On (IRE) 33-1 (9-4) Towards rear, came wide into straight, ridden and edged inside final furlong, not pace to challenge, 5th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Star Choice (9-4) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Sir Liam (USA) 7-2fav (9-3) In rear, ridden and headway 2f out, kept on, never near leaders, 5th of 13, 6l behind Carlton Scroop (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) std.
