behind, some headway over 1f out, never dangerous
with leader, ridden and every chance 2f out, soon weakened
outpaced and always behind
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
held up in mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, led inside final furlong, ridden out
towards rear, ridden over 4f out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden to lead 2f out, headed inside final furlong, ran on
An interesting nursery in which Chubbes can get the better of Ernine Grey, Bethany Boy, Maunby Raver and, possibly, Little Eye. The selection was a little unlucky to be caught close home over a mile on Lingfield's all-weather surface last time and, dropped back in trip, can make amends from the same mark. Interestingly, he was beaten a length-and-a-half by Freak Occurrence on the Polytrack, and that horse, when receiving a pound, had earlier beaten Bethany Boy by half-a-length at Redcar on good to soft going. Chubbes received three pounds at Lingfield and receives two pounds from Bethany Boy today. Make of that what you will. Ermine Grey has won two of his last three races, including over course and distance last time. However, a six-pounds rise in the ratings for that win will make life tougher. Little Eye could be interesting as he is ten pounds better off with Maunby Raver for the five lengths he finished behind him here on November 19. He stumbled leaving the stalls that day and has to be respected today over this furlong-further trip, which should suit. Maunby Raver is now rated seven-pounds higher than for that win but, lightly raced, he could improve again. On breeding, he should be ok at seven furlongs. Baker Of Oz has so far not lived up to expectations, but a couple of his indifferent runs came on undulating tracks. He should win races but a lack of experience on today's surface might count against him. Bond Brooklyn has been knocking at the door but the step up in trip might not be ideal, a similar comment applying to Sweet Cando. Fadeela looks to be on a reasonable mark for her handicap debut, while Lady Piste returned from a break to finish third on Lingfield's Turf in early October. She had earlier won over five furlongs at Chester and could well be improving, but we prefer others today. This leaves Garnock Venture, who has shown little so far so, once again, in, as we say, is an interesting event, we'll side with Chubbes.
