in touch, ridden and headway over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, one pace
slowly into stride, always towards rear
mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, one pace and no impression
held up and keen, never dangerous
led for 1f , remained with leader until raced wide over 4f out, ridden over 2f, no impression
chased leaders, ridden over 2, kept on same pace
always towards rear and struggling, eased over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, kept on final furlong
chased leaders, led over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on well inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 2f, weakened final furlong
slowly into stride, behind, ridden and headway over 2f out, one pace
behind, ridden and kept on from 2f out, no impression
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, stayed on from over 1f out, nearest at finish
Kirkby's Treasure, Acomb and Tough Love are shortlisted in this competitive handicap and the vote is given to the last mentioned. The selection was in good form last season and he goes well fresh so he has got obvious claims on his seasonal reappearance with conditions to suit. Kirkby's Treasure rates the obvious danger as loves it round here and has won four times on this track. He won well last time out but that was over 7 furlongs and this extra furlong may not play to his strengths so we will oppose him on this occasion. Acomb is a bold frontrunner who is sure to run his race and he's fit from a winter campaign on the AW. If he is allowed an easy lead then he could be hard to peg back. Little Jimbob ran encouragingly last time over 7f here when beaten behind Kirkby's Treasure, but this step up in trip will suit and it would be no surprise to see him claim some place money. However, for the winner we will stick with the Tim Easterby-trained Tough Love.
Everest (IRE) 20-1 Behind stand side, headway and ridden 2f out, no impression final furlong, 18th of 22, 13l behind Barathea Dreams at Doncaster 1m hcp gd.
Sea Storm (IRE) 11-1 Mid-division, ridden 2f out, never on terms, 8th of 11, 11l behind Kirkby's Treasure at Musselburgh 7f hcp gs in Mar.
Kirkby's Treasure 5-1 Dwelt and behind, headway over 2f out, ridden and hung left, over 1f out, led inside final furlong, kept on, won at Musselburgh 7f hcp gs in Mar beating Les Arcs by a nk, 11 ran.
Tough Love 14-1 Mid-division, chased along halfway, never near to challenge, 15th of 21, 6l behind Borrego at Doncaster 7f hcp (D2) gf in Sept.
Little Jimbob 8-1 Tracked leader, ridden to challenge 2f out, faded inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Kirkby's Treasure at Musselburgh 7f hcp gs in Mar.
Brief Goodbye 16-1 Tracked leader, prominent and every chance over 3f out, soon ridden and gradually weakened final 2f, last of 11, 8l behind Go Padero at Musselburgh 7f hcp (D2) sft in Oct.
Acomb 8-1 Led, clear 6f out, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, soon weakened, 7th of 13, 2l behind Anuvasteel at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (D2) pol in Feb.
Tedstale (USA) 14-1 Slowly into stride, soon mid-division, ridden over 3f out, driven and kept on inside final furlong, 5th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Kabeer at Lingfield 1m hcp (D2) pol in Mar.
