always prominent, led 6f out, driven out
behind, ridden and headway over 4f out, soon weakened
prominent 8f, tailed off when virtually pulled up over 2f out
mid-division, headway over 5f out, soon ridden, weakened 3f out
mid-division, ridden and headway over 4f out, every chance final furlong, no extra towards finish
in touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
in touch, ridden 7f out, soon weakened
behind, headway over 4f out, soon ridden and weakened
held up, headway 8f out, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out
raced keen, led, headed 6f out, soon ridden and weakened quickly
Failed To Hit has been a fine stable servant down the years and remains a potent force at this level despite his advancing years. Nick Littmoden's gelding comes here in top form having won a similar event here in December (both Marrel and Time Can Tell behind and held) before finishing a close third past the post on a return visit on Boxing Day. The 10-year-old looked unlucky on the latter occasion as he was badly hampered in the closing stages and was subsequently promoted to runner-up. A game and consistent sort, he can resume winning ways and record his 18th victory on the sand. White Plains is another old soldier on the all-weather scene and makes a quick reappearance after finishing third in a seller at Southwell yesterday. His stable remains in good form and he is entitled to go close but may have to settle for minor honours once again. Charles Spencelayh finished over ten lengths behind White Plains when the pair clashed here last summer but should get close on 14lb better terms and remains relatively unexposed so may be capable of a little further improvement.
