prominent, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
in touch, led over 4f out, driven and headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
mid-division, effort over 2f out, no impression
slowly into stride and behind, never a factor
held up behind leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on final furlong
dwelt and towards rear, soon chased along, never dangerous
led, headed over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
A chance is taken with Just James in a weak contest where Paso Doble and Ali Bruce are fancied to provide the sternest challenges. Ali Bruce goes well here and has been mainly consistent during his time with Paul Blockley. However, his latest start left plenty to be desired when he finished down the field in a seller over course and distance and, as his tendency to be slowly away was not an issue that occasion, he now has something to prove. Paso Doble has found his level in Banded Stakes races and comes here in obvious good heart. He may still have more to offer and has to be a leading contender in a race like this. Nevertheless, Just James edges the verdict in the hope that this ease in grade can help him to recapture some of his old sparkle. Admittedly, it's a long time since the son of Spectrum showed anything like the devastating turn of foot he displayed when winning the Jersey Stakes as a three-year-old. But this is a cakewalk in comparison to some of the tests he has faced in the past and Just James would carry this lot if he finally remembers what it takes to put his head in front.
Paso Doble 5-1jt-fav (8-13) Chased leaders, challenged over 2f out, stayed on to lead post, won at Southwell 1m banded stk (7) fbs in Dec beating Louisiade (9-1) by a shd, 11 ran.
Ali Bruce 3-1 (9-1) In touch on outer, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 10th of 11, well behind Formidable Will (9-7) at Southwell 1m sll (6) fbs in Dec.
Augustus Livius (IRE) 66-1 (8-12) Chased leader far side, no extra final 3f, 11th of 15, 40l behind Hows That (8-12) at Newcastle 1m clm (6) gs in Aug.
Hamburg Springer (IRE) 25-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, led over 7f out, headed over 5f out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 44l behind Zoripp (8-7) at Southwell 1m 3f banded stk (7) fbs in Nov '05.
Just James 6-1 (9-8) Outpaced, keeping on when not much room inside final furlong, never dangerous, 10th of 12, 6l behind Ninth House (9-12) at W'hampton 7f clm (5) pol in Sept.
The Wicked Wizard 200-1 (10-7) Prominent to halfway, soon behind, tailed off, last of 15, well behind Wipe Your Eye (10-5) at Newcastle 1m 6f nhf (6) sft in Dec (N.Hunt).
Truckle 16-1 (9-0) Led, headed over 5f out, soon beaten, last of 10, 23l behind Ionian Spring (9-4) at Southwell 1m 3f clm (6) fbs in Dec.