prominent, led after 3f, shaken up and clear over 1f out, comfortably
in touch, on inside, ridden and headway 3f out, kept on one pace final 2f
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, one pace final 2f
held up in rear, never nearer
held up, headway to chase winner over 3f out until well over 1f out
held up, ridden and headway over 3f out, chased winner over 1f out, soon no impression
tracked leaders over 4f
prominent 5f
led 3f, remained prominent, ridden and weakened 2f out
A surprising number of in-form horses in this handicap, however Picador has obvious claims based on his easy win last week so he gets the nod at the main expense of Time To Regret, Wodhill Gold and Granakey. The selection won with authority on his latest start and looks ahead of the handicapper with just a 6lb penalty for that win to contend with. He sidestepped a race here two days ago for this preferred engagement and although he has a wide draw to overcome, he still looks to be the solid call. It is not often that a horse on a four-timer will not go off favourite, but Time To Regret can still be competitive today. He has a good draw for one who likes to race close to the pace and although this is a tougher race, he still looks to have place claims at least. Wodhill Gold also won well last time out over course and distance, however an 11lb rise for that cosy win looks as if it may anchor his chances. Capital Lass now looks on a stiff enough mark after some fine performances, however he could be more competitive under his able claiming jockey. Granakey beat Wodhill Gold on New Year's Day and so must rate a live danger from his plum draw, especially as a 4lb rise in the weights doesn't appear too prohibitive. In a race where many have chances, we will stick with Sir Mark Prescott's Picador to prove that he is ahead of the handicapper and one to follow.
Picador 2-1fav (8-13) Made virtually all, ridden over 2f out, soon clear, ridden out, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol beating Golden Square (8-10) by 3 1/2l, 12 ran.
Time To Regret 11-8fav (9-4) Held up in touch, led well over 1f out, ridden out, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol beating Ciccone (9-0) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Capital Lass 4-1 (8-0) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Black Sea Pearl (8-6) at Southwell 7f fll hcp (5) fbs.
Granakey (IRE) 14-1 (8-9) Towards rear, headway on inner over 2f out, driven over 1f out, led inside final furlong, kept on, won at Southwell 1m hcp (6) fbs beating Wodhill Gold (8-6) by 1l, 12 ran.
Vibrato (USA) 10-1 (7-11) Held up in touch, chased leaders over 2f out, soon one pace, 5th of 13, 5l behind Dudley Docker (8-5) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Roman Boy (ARG) 5-2 (8-10) In touch, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten, 8th of 12, 10l behind Picador (8-13) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Kathleen Kennet 8-1 (8-12) Held up mid-division, shaken off and headway approaching final furlong, kept on, never nearer, 6th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Burhaan (8-7) at Lingfield 7f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Penwell Hill (USA) 14-1 (8-2) Soon led, headed over 4f out, remained in touch, ridden along over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 6th of 12, 7l behind Granakey (8-9) at Southwell 1m hcp (6) fbs.
Sonderborg 7-1 (9-2) Held up, ridden over 3f out, soon no impression, 7th of 11, 12l behind Paso Doble (8-13) at Southwell 1m banded stk (7) fbs in Dec.
Steel Grey 80-1 (8-2) Chased leaders, outpaced halfway, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 10, 7l behind Wodhill Gold (8-5) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Sion Hill (IRE) 22-1 (8-3) Chased leaders, effort over 2f out, soon no impression, 6th of 7, 10l behind Branston Tiger (9-7) at Southwell 6f clm (6) fbs.
Borodinsky 25-1 (8-2) Slowly into stride, soon mid-division, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous, 8th of 10, 11l behind Paso Doble (8-4) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Wodhill Gold 9-2 (8-11) Tracked leaders, headway to chase winner well over 1f out, edged left and no impression inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 3l behind Luckylover (9-2) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-65 (6) std.
Connotation 7-1 (8-9) Held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, switched right entering straight, one pace final furlong, 5th of 12, 7l behind Desert Hawk (8-10) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
