in touch, ridden and hung left over 1f out, led entering final furlong, ran on
outpaced and soon driven along, never on terms
dwelt and always behind
dwelt and outpaced, never a factor
chased leaders, driven along halfway, ridden when weakening approaching final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong
mid-division, effort halfway, stayed on towards finish, never near to challenge
This is a competitive handicap to open the card and the leading lights look to be Ockums Razor, Garlogs and Stoneacre Lad and the vote is given to Garlogs. The selection won well last time over this course and distance when beating Stoneacre Fred. This trip clearly brings out the best in him and as he remains well-treated he looks to have a good chance of leading them home today. Ockums Razor rates the main danger as he won a claimer at Wolverhampton in decent style last month when beating Diktalex. This is more competitive and with the drop in trip not sure to play to his strengths we are happy to take him on. Stoneacre Lad was a little disappointing when last seen out at Lingfield in December but this trip will suit this colt and he should be seen to better effect today. Luloah has been in fair form of late and is another with place prospects but for the winner we return to Garlogs.
Stoneacre Lad (IRE) 5-1 (8-12) Chased leader, led approaching final furlong, headed inside last, no extra, 5th of 8, 3l behind Orchard Supreme (8-8) at Lingfield 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Smooch 20-1 (8-4) Speed to halfway, last of 11, 14l behind Moayed (9-11) at Lingfield 6f stk (2) pol in Jan.
The London Gang 9-1 (9-3) Behind stand side group, ridden halfway, stayed on well inside final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 17, 3l behind Lipizza (9-4) at Nottingham 5f 2yo hcp 0-75 (5) hvy in Nov.
Ockums Razor (IRE) 2-1fav (9-5) With leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, hung left soon after, ridden out, won at W'hampton 6f 3yo clm (6) pol in Jan beating Diktalex (7-9) by 2l, 9 ran.
Luloah 11-10fav (8-12) Chased leaders, led halfway, headed 2f out, weakened final furlong, last of 8, 4 1/2l behind Diktalex (8-2) at Lingfield 6f 3yo sll (6) pol in Jan.
Money Mate (IRE) 100-1 (8-5) Soon behind, 11th of 12, 19l behind Cummiskey (9-8) at Southwell 6f stk (2) fbs.
Garlogs 7-4fav (9-4) Made all, clear over 1f out, ridden out, won at Southwell 5f 3yo hcp (6) std beating Diktalex (8-11) by 2l, 9 ran.
Cativo Cavallino 12-1 (9-0) Behind wide, some headway over 2f out, weakened rapidly soon after, last of 10, 17l behind Dingaan (9-0) at Lingfield 6f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Jan.