awkward start, mid-division, never better
tracked leaders, chased leaders 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on to take 2nd line
prominent, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, took closer order over 1f out, strong run lead well inside final furlong
mid-division, headway over 1f out, not troubled leaders
led, ridden 2f out, fading when headed well inside final furlong
towards rear, ridden 2f out, stayed on not to troubled leaders
towards rear, never dangerous
in touch, ridden and weakened approaching final furlong
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, plugged on
MISTER THATCHER is taken to land his hat-trick at the expense of River Kirov and Lord Deevert. The selection has amassed wins over course and distance and most latterly at Wolverhampton. Connections have placed him well and the fact that he has still yet to be reassessed by the handicapper means he is still well treated and with that in mind he ought to follow up with another win if recapturing his best. River Kirov has been in great form all winter winning twice at this trip. He has risen ten pounds as a result but he has run well in defeat off his current mark so is worth noting in the market. Deevert was in great form during the summer and returned with a win over course and distance in October. Since then though he has disappointed and as a result he should be treated with caution. So for the winner we return to Mister Thatcher.
Inside Story (IRE) 16-1 (9-2) Switched right from wide draw and held up in rear, headway on outside over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, not reached leaders, 5th of 12, 4l behind Sofia's Star (9-5) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Nov.
Lord Deevert 15-2 (8-8) Pressed leader, ridden and effort over 1f out, weakening when short of room and checked inside final furlong, soon eased, 9th of 12, 4l behind Chjimes (9-4) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Nov.
Bertie Southstreet 20-1 (8-8) Chased leader, ridden halfway, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 12, 3l behind Bookiesindex Boy (8-12) at Kempton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Hammer of The Gods (IRE) 10-1 (9-5) Soon led from wide draw, ridden and headed 1f out, weakened quickly, 6th of 10, 6l behind Cool Sands (9-1) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Oct.
River Kirov (IRE) 3-1fav (9-1) Raced wide, switched left to inner 2f out, full of running when nowhere to go until switched left well inside final furlong, ran on strongly, unlucky, 4th of 13, 1 1/2l behind Marmooq (8-9) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Rydal (USA) 20-1 (8-12) Mid-division, keen, headway on inside over 1f out, every chance final furlong, faded close home, 4th of 12, 1 1/2l behind Lord Deevert (8-6) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Oct.
Billy Red 14-1 (8-5) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened 1f out, 8th of 11, 6l behind Ivory Silk (9-3) at Great Leighs 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Mistress Cooper 33-1 (8-13) Held up in rear, good headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, nearest finish, 4th of 12, 1 1/2l behind Littledodayno (8-13) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Nov.
Cheap Street 8-1 (8-8) Behind, never on terms, 9th of 13, 17l behind Charles Parnell (9-2) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Is It Time (IRE) 7-1 (8-10) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, no headway over 1f out, 8th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Dualagi (9-5) at Bath 6f fll hcp (5) gf in May.
Mister Thatcher (IRE) Evensfav (8-10) Made all, ridden final furlong, ran on well, won at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol beating Sarah's Art (8-12) by 2l, 11 ran.
Interactive (IRE) 10-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden 2f out, not quicken and weakened final furlong, 8th of 9, 9l behind Musical Script (8-11) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
