tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd before 4 out, challenged 2 out, every chance when mistake last, kept on to lead close home
led, headed before 4 out, weakened before 3 out
in rear, lost place from 6 out, tailed off
with leader, led before 4 out, pressed from 2 out, kept on and headed close home
held up in touch, pushed along before 4 out, outpaced after 3 out
Apterix was having only his second start over fences when landing a Sedgefield handicap, though he looked suited by the longer trip. The veteran Rathlin landed a heavy ground handicap at Ayr in March, when Nautical Twilight was eight lengths behind, and will be better for his reappearance on this track. His stable companion Witness was very busy in minor company when trained in France and showed that there should be races in him when a fair fourth over this course and distance on just his second start for new connections. INDIAN VOYAGE won a similar handicap over the course and distance a year ago and can now race from a 3lb lower mark. He looked to be running into form over a longer trip here last month and can return to winning ways.
Apterix (FR) 10-3 (11-7) In touch, went 2nd from 5 out, led before 2 out, clear before last, won at Sedgefield 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Nov beating Blakemount (11-7) by 2l, 9 ran.
Rathlin 20-1 (11-12) In touch, in mid-division, closed on outside 7th, lost place before 4 out, well beaten after, 7th of 8, 17 1/2l behind Aye Well (10-9) at Wetherby 1m 7f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Nautical Twilight 11-1 (11-3) Held up in touch, went 4th 3 out, weakened from 2 out, 5th of 6, dist behind Theflyingportrait (11-2) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Sep.
Indian Voyage (IRE) 13-2 (11-6) In touch, went 2nd from 2 out, ridden after last, no extra, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Wells De Lune (11-10) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Witness (FR) 50-1 (10-6) In touch, in mid-division, lost place when hit 9th, no impression before 4 out, plugged on flat, went 4th close home, 4th of 8, 13 1/4l behind Aye Well (10-9) at Wetherby 1m 7f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
