behind, headway halfway, chased leaders over 1f out, never on terms
chased leaders, every chance 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
always behind
behind, headway approaching final furlong, stayed on well, not reach winner
behind, never dangerous
led, headed over 2f out, soon hardridden, weakened final furlong
always prominent, led over 2f out, hardridden inside final furlong, kept on well under pressure
chased leaders, under pressure halfway, soon one pace
always behind
Whilst no certainty to repeat the form, LUJIANA was sufficiently impressive in victory last time to get the vote from Handsinthemist and The Geester. Mel Brittain's mare belied odds of 25/1 when scoring from an in-form sort over course and distance last time and, as that victory came in an apprentice riders contest, she runs off the same mark here. She now has two wins and a second from three tries at Southwell so as a course specialist who arrives on the back of a success, she rates the most likely winner. Handsinthemist is another who goes well at the track and she's now 3lbs lower than when last successful. Granted, that was back in March of last year, but her last time third was a clear sign that she's returning to something like her best. Top weight The Geester dead-heated over six furlongs at Lingfield last time, but his form here is rock-solid and includes two victories at today's distance, so despite a 6lb rise in the ratings the gelding is unquestionably a player. Metal Guru was well held in claiming company last time but her previous second reads well and off the same mark she has claims, as does Rabbit Fighter although Derek Shaw's inmate is yet to score over the minimum trip. Dickie Le Davoir looks well treated on his best form but is another who surely needs an extra furlong and whilst Cape Of Storms is another who goes well here that statement is based on his efforts over six. At a potentially massive price Ronnie Howe could improve now dropped back to five but he comes with many risks attached, so for our selection will return to Lujiana.
The Geester 7-1 (9-2) Led 1f, prominent, let front pair take each other on 4f out, close to lead over 1f out, headed narrowly inside final furlong, ran on to force dead heat post, won at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol deadheating with Elusive Ronnie (9-1), 10 ran.
Cape of Storms 33-1 (8-6) Chased leaders, ridden well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 10th of 13, 9l behind Charles Parnell (8-9) at Southwell 6f hacp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Metal Guru 5-1 (7-9) Soon outpaced, never in contention, 6th of 9, 7l behind Total Impact (8-9) at Southwell 5f clm stks (6) fbs in Dec.
Dickie Le Davoir 6-1 (9-0) Dwelt, soon outpaced, never a factor, 8th of 11, 10l behind Diamond Blade (9-1) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec.
Mr Funshine 11-2 (8-8) Outpaced and always behind, 8th of 9, 13l behind Lujiana (8-5) at Southwell 5f app hcp (0-55) (6) fbs.
Handsinthemist (IRE) 8-1 (8-5) Chased leaders, ridden after 2f, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Thoughtsofstardom (8-11) at Southwell 5f hcp (6) fbs in Dec.
Lujiana 25-1 (8-5) With leader, led halfway, ridden over 1f out, ran on well, won at Southwell 5f app hcp (0-55) (6) fbs beating Brazilian Brush (8-8) by 2l, 9 ran.
Ronnie Howe 25-1 (8-6) Chased leader, until well over 2f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 9, 27l behind Jul's Lad (8-12) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-52 (6) fbs.
Egyptian Lord 66-1 (8-4) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 12th of 13, 21l behind Mr Funshine (8-4) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec.
Rabbit Fighter (IRE) 12-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, in rear, ridden 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not reached leaders, 5th of 13, 4l behind Silver Guest (9-9) at Wolverhampton 6f app hcp (6) pol in Oct.
