tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, weakened final 3f
tracked leader, led over 3f out, soon headed, weakened over 1f out
held up mid-division, headway over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, chased leaders over 4f out, one pace from over 2f out
held up mid-division, headway over 5f out, ridden 3f out, on pace
held up, hung left and weakened from over 2f out
held up, smooth headway over 5f out, led on bit 3f out, clear over 1f out, easily
tracked leaders and keen, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up towards rear, struggling from halfway
prominent to halfway
held up, ridden and struggling from halfway
led and raced keen, headed over 3f out, soon weakened
held up towards rear and keen, headway over 4f out, soon ridden, one pace from over 2f out
held up in rear, ridden halfway and outpaced, stayed on from over 2f out, never dangerous
A chance is taken on the well being of General Hardi, who showed fair ability in bumpers last season and is just preferred over Nevertika, Scarlet Cloak and The Pious Prince. The last named hails from a yard that do well with their runners at this level and, as he represents Len Lungo's own racing club, he is one to monitor in the betting. Scarlet Cloak has experience of the track and shaped with promise here last month. However, he may need firmer going to be seen at his best and, although he is respected, he may be one to simply note for next time. Nevertika is sure to be popular after catching the eye in each of his three previous starts. Even so, it is hard to assess what he achieved in chasing home a well regarded type of Mick Easterby's at Newcastle at the start of January and, having now found a few too good each time he has raced, he doesn't really appeal as one to be taking too short a price about. And there may be better value to be had with General Hardi, whose form of last year is working out well. Cut in the ground should not be a problem for the son of In Command and he is fancied to be hard to beat if John Wade, as expected, has him wound up for his seasonal debut.
Contendo Classic Cliche gelding out a lightly-raced maiden.
General Hardi 5-1 (10-5) In touch, ridden to chase winner over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Diklers Rose (10-8) at Newcastle 2m nhf (H) sft in Feb '05.
Hiddenfortune (IRE) Won at Loughanmore 3m ire ptp in Oct beating Ballyfoy by 10l, 11 ran.
Justwhateverulike (IRE) 50-1 (10-11) Mid-division, ridden over 3f out, no headway, 7th of 13, 47l behind Stagecoach Opal (10-8) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) sft.
Nevertika (FR) 11-8fav (11-4) Held up, headway halfway, challenged 3f out, one pace, 2nd of 11, 8l behind Spitfire Sortie (11-1) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Scarlet Cloak (USA) 25-1 (11-5) Held up mid-division, headway 7f out, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed final furlong, soon weakened, 3rd of 13, 7l behind Stolen Moments (11-2) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Striking Silver Silver Patriarch gelding out of winning sprinter Snowgirl.
The Pious Prince (IRE) Shahrastani gelding out of an unraced mare.
Unfair Dismissal (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Held up in touch, ridden over 4f out, soon outpaced, 5th of 11, 18l behind Spitfire Sortie (11-1) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Young Blade 28-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, weakened over 3f out, 11th of 12, 40l behind Kealshore Lad (10-13) at Wetherby 2m nhf (5) sft.
Over'n Out 16-1 (10-8) Close up to halfway, weakened quickly, soon behind, 9th of 10, well behind Lahib The Fifth (11-4) at Hexham 2m nhf (H) gf in Jun.
Indian Wind Chocolat de Meguro gelding out of dual hurdles winner Helm Wind.
Open de L'Isle (FR) 25-1 (10-2) Led, ridden over 3f out, headed over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 13, 8l behind Stolen Moments (11-2) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Popinpeat Peter Quince gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Sea Senor Sea Freedom gelding out of successful hurdler/chaser Portonia.
Thatlldoforme Dancing High gelding out of a lightly-raced maiden.
Stormont Dawn (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, ridden 5f out, never dangerous after, 5th of 11, 32l behind Sparron Hawk (11-2) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) sft in Jan.
