behind, some headway halfway, ridden well over 2f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
held up in touch on outer, ridden and headway over 2f out, stayed on to lead close home
dwelt, in rear, never dangerous
in touch, outpaced halfway
chased leaders, led 3f out, soon ridden, caught post
in touch, ridden and kept on from 2f out, hung left from over 1f out, one pace
led, headed over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
chased leaders, went 2nd over 2f out, kept on same pace
chased leader, led briefly over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
behind, ridden halfway, kept on from 2f out
Shava ran a better race last time and could be on the way back but the claims of Silver Hotspur, Cape Of Storms and Mickleberry are preferred with the lastnamed getting the vote today. Silver Hotspur ran well enough in two starts here around a year ago to merit consideration given his current form whilst Cape Of Storms has to be high on the short-list having gone close in course and distance maidens the last twice. However, he has failed to get his head in front in twenty two attempts and preference is for James Bethell's filly. It's true she's been disappointing having begun last year from a 16lb higher mark but her performances in the second half of last year indicated that she has found her form and her level. She's been racing over five but has been seeing her races out strongly suggesting that she is well worth another try at this trip so Mickleberry is the call.
Smash N'Grab (IRE) 16-1 (8-13) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, nearest finish, 6th of 12, 4l behind Epidaurian King (8-8) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Dec.
Nabra 40-1 (8-11) Towards rear and outpaced, 11th of 15, 8l behind Dasheena (8-6) at Catterick 7f fll hcp (6) gd in Sept.
Silver Hotspur 5-2fav (8-12) Held up, not clear run briefly 2f out, headway 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, never able to challenge, 3rd of 11, 6l behind Calloff The Search (8-8) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Mickleberry (IRE) 9-4fav (8-7) In touch, headway over 1f out, kept on final furlong, not trouble winner, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Triskaidekaphobia (9-2) at W'hampton 5f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Shadow Jumper (IRE) 16-1 (8-6) Chased leaders, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 14, 13l behind Haroldini (9-2) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Cape of Storms 7-1 (9-13) Held up behind leaders, every chance over 1f out, driven and kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Fulford (8-9) at Southwell 6f mdn stk (5) fbs.
Pappas Image 14-1 (9-13) Towards rear, soon chased along, headway over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 12, 4 1/2l behind Fulford (8-9) at Southwell 6f mdn stk (5) fbs.
Temtation (IRE) 22-1 (8-9) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, unable to quicken, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Epidaurian King (9-6) at W'hampton 7f Stks (41-45) (7) pol.
Shava 8-1 (8-1) Tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 11, 4l behind Haroldini (9-0) at Southwell 7f hcp (6) fbs in Dec.
Astorygoeswithit 14-1 (8-11) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 11, 5l behind The Salwick Flyer (8-12) at Southwell 7f hcp (6) fbs in Dec.
Jember Red 14-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden along halfway, one pace until weakened final furlong, 6th of 13, 7l behind Van Ruymbeke (9-3) at Southwell 6f mdn stk (5) fbs in Dec.
