prominent over 6f
prominent, lost place over 2f out
slowly into stride, took keen hold early, soo towards rear, headway and edged left from over 1f out, no impression
held up, headway on outside over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slowly away, held up, switched right 3f out, headway over 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong to lead near finish
slowly into stride, mid-division, reminders 5f out, headway over 3f out, went 2nd 2f out until over 1f out, weakened final furlong
led, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
took keen hold in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
took keen hold in rear, not clear run and switched right over 2f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong
with leader, reminders over 4f out, led over 3f out, ridden clear over 2f out, caught near finish
mid-division, ridden 4f out, behind final 3f
mid-division, came wide and headway entering straight, edged left inside final furlong, one pace
A competitive handicap to start the day can go the way of Claws, with Zando and The Gaikwar best of the rest. The selection won his penultimate start at this course, and the step up in trip today shouldn't be a negative. Stall ten doesn't appear to be ideal for one who likes to be up with the pace, however the longer trip should offset that to some degree. The Gaikwar hasn't been in the best of form so far this winter, however his last run showed a bit more promise and a return to form could be on the cards today. Having said that, his stable isn't in the best of form so we shall pass him over, along with Zando. His small stable are in great form at present, however the 5-year-old gelding looks fairly exposed. This isn't a strong race though so he could be involved in the finish. Machinate performed admirably on his only start here so could feasibly go well at a price, whilst Uhuru Peak will have to forget a below-par effort last time out if he is to feature today. We will tentatively return to Claws to land the spoils.
Lord Chamberlain 33-1 (8-5) Always behind, 11th of 13, 13l behind Norwegian (8-7) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Uhuru Peak 7-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, lost place 5f out, not clear run on inside over 2f out, no danger, 8th of 13, 17l behind Street Life (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
Machinate (USA) 16-1 (9-2) Always behind, 14th of 15, 13l behind Fossgate (9-6) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Jun.
Claws 9-1 (8-10) Close up, ridden and kept on same pace final 2f, 3rd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Super Frank (9-0) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
Scottish River (USA) 10-1 (8-6) Slowly away, pulled hard, held up and behind, lost touch over 3f out, 11th of 12, 26l behind Scamperdale (8-6) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
The Gaikwar (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Held up, headway over 3f out, switched right over 1f out, one pace, 7th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Mozie Cat (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcap (6) pol in Dec.
Zando 50-1 (8-5) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, every chance when edged left over 2f out, one pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 5l behind Desert Hawk (8-10) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Joe Jo Star 16-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden 3f out, one pace, 7th of 13, 5l behind Bathwick Emma (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 1f sll (6) pol.
Love You Always (USA) 5-1 (8-1) Slowly into stride, keen in rear, headway over 2f out, soon one pace, 6th of 10, 5l behind Moyoko (8-12) at Kempton 1m hcap (6) pol in Dec.
Danum 33-1 (8-11) Held up towards rear, driven along over 3f out, hard ridden and no real progress final 2f, 8th of 12, 22l behind Diktatorship (8-7) at W'hampton 1m 4f Stks (41-45) (7) pol.
Yeldham Lady 150-1 (8-0) Prominent and keen, ridden 4f out, weakened over 3f out, 10th of 11, 38l behind Climate (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 1f clm (6) pol.
Captain Bolsh 16-1 (8-11) Prominent, went 2nd halfway, led inside final 2f, headed 1f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Sahf London (8-11) at Kempton 1m 3f Stks (41-45) (7) pol.
