slowly into stride, headway to chase leaders halfway, weakening when hampered over 1f out
held up in rear, headway between horses over 1f out, ridden and stayed on to lead final 50 yards
mid-division, switched right over 1f out, ridden and no impression soon after
mid-division, headway on inside over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken final 50 yards
soon pressing leader, led 4f out, ridden over 1f out, narrowly headed inside final furlong, weakened final 50 yards
behind, ridden over 1f out, never troubled leaders
led to 4f out, chased leader to halfway, stayed prominent, hard driven over 1f out, rallied to dispute lead inside final furlong, not pace of winner final 50 yards
slowly into stride, held up, switched right to outside well over 1f out, good headway soon after, stayed on to dispute lead and every chance inside final furlong, not quicken final 50 yards
We end with a wide open handicap in which the recent form of NACHO LIBRE makes marginally the most appeal ahead of Obe Brave and Mandarin Spirit. It would appear the pick didn't quite last home under a revised mark at Southwell last time and perhaps is better judged on his easy course and distance success two starts ago. Based on that he should have more to offer back on this surface despite another small mark rise. Obe Brave missed an engagement here yesterday in favour of a tilt at this race so it's feasible to suggest connections fancy their chances here. He's been improving in his recent efforts and a bold bid is expected. Mandarin Spirit found just one too good under a two pound lighter load last time but goes well here and the step up in trip will help. Onceaponatime is running well at present and is competitively weighted while Sarah's Art might now be a little high in the weights. This represents a really tough end to the day and Nacho Libre is a percentage call.
Argentine (IRE) 7-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, hampered 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Anne Of Kiev (9-4) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Sarah's Art (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Held up, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous, 9th of 14, 7l behind Brunelleschi (8-9) at Newmarket 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Aug.
Mandarin Spirit (IRE) 33-1 (9-2) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed towards finish, kept on, 2nd of 10, nk behind Igoyougo (9-7) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Oct.
Onceaponatime (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Behind, headway over 1f out, never nearer, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Gap Princess (9-3) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Elijah Pepper (USA) 8-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 13th of 17, 9l behind Milton Of Campsie (9-4) at Ayr 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Oct.
Carmenero (GER) 17-2 (9-6) Behind, ridden 2f out, never dangerous, 10th of 12, 10l behind Tudor Prince (9-6) at Kempton 7f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Oct.
Nacho Libre 3-1fav (8-12) Prominent, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon beaten, lost 2nd well inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 3 1/2l behind Punching (9-3) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Nov.
Obe Brave 14-1 (9-9) Tracked leader in 2nd, led under 2f out, strongly pressed 1f out, headed and kept on same pace close home, 3rd of 13, 3/4l behind Boynagh Joy (9-0) at Dundalk 7f hcp 47-65 pol in Nov.
Fantasy Fighter (IRE) 9-1 (8-4) Held up in rear, wide entering straight, ran on inside final furlong, never nearer, 7th of 13, 2 3/4l behind Anne Of Kiev (9-4) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
