held up in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten
led, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, one pace final furlong
prominent, outpaced over 4f out, stayed on final 2f, not reach winner
tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, driven and one pace final 2f
ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace final 2f
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous
always behind
held up, headway 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on well
In this highly competitive handicap ZAFFEU gets the selection ahead of Dart and Pertemps Networks. The pick is poised for a four timer here with the last two of those previous three victories coming over course and distance. He's only up four pounds for that last win and looks well treated all round in this race. Further to his claims is the fact he's won of a mark five pounds higher on turf. Dart was well backed in defeat last time but he wasn't able to get in his preferred front running position during the race. Another that loves the cut in the ground a return to front running tactics, ideal for this track, will have him back to his best. Pertemps Networks has been close over course and distance on his last two starts and as a result now has a career high rating on the level. It shouldn't be too much of a bother as he carries a lot more weight over hurdles but he will have to give a bit all round to his rivals here. Flame Creek is the only other you'd give a chance to on bits and pieces of form but Zaffeu looks set for four in a row.
Pertemps Networks 11-2 (9-8) Tracked leader, led 5f out, ridden 3f out, headed and kept on inside final furlong, 2nd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Brave Mave (9-1) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs in Nov.
El Diego (IRE) 10-1 (9-9) Steadied start, held up towards rear, kept on one pace final 2f, never dangerous, 6th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Sibi Saba (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 4f mdn stk (5) pol in Nov.
Calculating (IRE) 11-1 (9-8) Behind, plugged on final 2f but never dangerous, 7th of 13, 13l behind Master At Arms (9-6) at W'hampton 2m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Victory Quest (IRE) 28-1 (9-5) In touch until weakened over 3f out, 6th of 13, 13l behind Master At Arms (9-6) at W'hampton 2m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Dart Evensfav (9-11) Held up, steady headway over 3f out, went 3rd under pressure over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 6th of 11, 10l behind Bank On Benny (9-3) at W'hampton 2m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Zaffeu 4-1 (9-11) Held up towards rear, chased leading pair over 2f out, stayed on to lead towards finish, won at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Mar beating Leyte Gulf (9-6) by a hd, 8 ran.
Flame Creek (IRE) 11-2 (11-6) In touch, chased leaders in 3rd 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 14, 10l behind Wyeth (11-2) at Lingfield 2m amt hcp (6) pol.
Simple Jim (FR) 10-1 (9-5) Held up in rear, ridden 3f out, headway under strong pressure approaching final furlong, kept on, 4th of 10, 1 1/2l behind Elaala (9-1) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Nov.
