chased winner until 3f out, soon ridden in 3rd, no impression final 2f
hung left most of way, soon outpaced and never on terms with leading trio, pushed along 3f out, ridden and no headway final 2f
made all, joined and pushed along over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, pushed out
chased leading pair, went 2nd 3f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
A lack of pace can sometimes be a problem in these small fields but the presence of the headstrong Spic 'n Span should prevent that happening here. A return to this track could bring out the best in this four-time C&D winner. First Swallow has also been known to take the lead but his recent form leaves him a bit to find in this company, while Ingleby Star has yet to win on Fibresand. The vote goes to YOUR GIFTED, runner-up over C&D on her last three starts, she should get a good tow in the early stages and is weighted to take advantage.
First Swallow 4-1fav (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, no impression, 6th of 13, 7l behind Fashion Icon (8-12) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-58 (6) fbs in Nov.
Ingleby Star (IRE) 25-1 (9-7) Chased leader until halfway, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 9th of 11, 13l behind Incomparable (9-5) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs in Dec.
Spic 'n Span 7-2 (9-4) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra near finish, 5th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Brandywell Boy (9-4) at Lingfield 5f sell stks (6) pol in Dec.
Your Gifted (IRE) 2-1fav (8-12) Tracked leaders, headway to lead over 1f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Caramelita (9-4) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.