held up, ridden 2f out, not troubled leaders
slowly into stride, always in rear
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, never able to challenge
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
slowly into stride, held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong
close up, ridden every chance inside final furlong, unable to quicken near finish
led, ridden and headed inside final furlong, stayed on
close up, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong
A tricky sprint handicap to start the afternoon, but Henry Hall is bang in-form and Nigel Tinkler's colt appeals as the most likely winner, while Proud Boast and Zargus are also on the shortlist. The latter hinted at a return to form when seventh in a course and distance handicap ten days ago. Very well handicapped now and with the Willie Muir stable in fine form, he should run well at likely decent odds. Proud Boast takes a drop in grade after running with credit in Listed Race company. She won a couple of handicaps last season, is suited by both ground and distance and will appreciate this drop in class. Paddywack caught the eye two starts ago, but was slightly disappointing when not ridden with usual hold up tactics next time. He is on a fair mark and could return to form any day. Barrantes is an in-form front-runner who is another with claims in an open race. Trace Clip was consistent for Barry Hills last term. He has run well fresh, but is probably best watched on his first start for new connections. Now Look Here would come into things if the rain arrives and there is cut in the ground, but in a tough contest we'll stick with Henry Hall. He should probably have won a valuable handicap at York last Friday, but Kim Tinkler was out-ridden close home. This tough and in-form sprinter is a course and distance winner and has strong claims in a tricky sprint.
