slowly into stride, behind, headway over 6f out, ridden to lead over 2f out, kept on under pressure
chased leaders, ridden over 5f out, soon weakened
towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden to challenge and every chance 2f out, stayed on same pace
chased leader, led over 4f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
slow away, always behind
slowly into stride, behind, some headway on outer over 3f out, never dangerous
in touch, chased leaders over 3f out, ridden and every chance over 2f out, kept on
chased leaders, went 2nd over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
led, ridden and headed over 4f out, soon weakened
towards rear, headway on winner over 3f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
behind, ridden and headway over 3f out, ran on well final furlong, nearest at finish
chased leaders to halfway
Surdoue has been consistent without reward lately but can put matters right against the likes of Scottish River, Crusoe and Iamback. Paul Howling's four-year-old was twice a winner for former trainer George Margarson in 2002 but has failed to add to his score since moving stables. However, he has shown enough at Southwell over the past few weeks to warrant support now. Kieren Fallon was booked to ride eight days ago, and took the gelding into the lead five furlongs out, but there was nothing left in the tank near the finish. He has slipped steadily down the weights and drops back to what should be a more suitable trip today, and with the capable Simon Walker on board, should go close. Scottish River has topweight to overcome but won really well here in similar company last time despite missing the break, and his pilot has now won twice on him from as many starts. The track was riding slow that day so that makes his latest effort even more commendable. Crusoe is entitled to be in at the finish as well, as he is now better off at the weights with Scottish River for finishing four lengths behind in third place. He was entitled to need the outing, having been off the track since being pulled up over hurdles in December. Iamback is relatively lightly raced compared to some of the others but did at least win a maiden, albeit a weak one here last month. She has more to do though and the answer to the opener lies with Surdoue.
