held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong
held up, ridden over 4f out, slipped on bend over 3f out, weakened well over 1f out
led, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up towards rear, kept on final furlong
towards rear, pushed along before halfway, weakened over 3f out, eased well over 1f out
held up mid-division, headway to chase winner over 1f out, no impression
chased leaders, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace
held up, weakened 2f out
held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
soon chasing leader, led over 1f out, ran on well, eased towards finish
It could pay to take a chance on course and distance scorer MYSTIFIED in this handicap; the list of dangers is headed by Jordan's Light and Golden Jess. The selection didn't quite get home over 2m1f at Pontefract last time but we know that this is more his trip and he does have conditions very much in his favour. He is on a fair mark and a big run is expected. Golden Jess is a versatile performer and he has been running well of late over hurdles. He is interesting back in the sphere as he does boast an admirable level of consistency. Tim Pitt won this race last year and Jordan's Light is a capable performer on his day but he disappointed last time and his best form is with some cut in the ground. Fenners hails from a shrewd yard but he disappointed last time and the visor will need to have a positive effect if he is to make his mark. We will stick with Mystified as the choice to land the prize.
Hernando's Boy 14-1 (9-11) Mid-division, outpaced 2f out, soon ridden and no impression, 7th of 10, 7l behind Simple Jim (9-0) at Catterick 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Sep.
Jordan's Light (USA) 15-2 (9-9) Always behind, 10th of 11, 16l behind Shifting Gold (9-4) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Sep.
Mystified (IRE) 16-1 (8-9) Led, clear briefly 3f out, headed entering final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 10, 6l behind Theola (8-12) at Pontefract 2m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Sep.
Obara d'Avril (FR) 50-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, headway over 6f out, went moderate 3rd 2f out, one pace, 3rd of 9, 21l behind Alainmaar (9-3) at Pontefract 1m 2f mdn stks (5) gf in Sep.
Fenners (USA) 9-1 (8-5) In touch, ridden and not much room on inside over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 12, 11l behind Cape Marien (9-3) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp (0-65) (6) pol.
Goldan Jess (IRE) 13-2 (8-11) Soon led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 10, 11l behind Simple Jim (8-10) at Redcar 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Sep.
Lost In France (IRE) 14-1 (8-3) Tracked leaders, 4th 5f out, no impression from 3f out, 9th of 14, 16l behind Daytime Dreamer (9-11) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp 47-65 pol in Aug.
Ishismart 25-1 (8-1) In touch, keen, effort to chase leaders 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, last of 8, 9l behind World Spirit (9-7) at Bath 1m hcap (5) gd in Jun '07.
Firestorm (IRE) 80-1 (8-9) Pressed leader, ridden 2f out, lost place over 1f out, soon weakened, 8th of 10, 9l behind Simple Jim (9-0) at Catterick 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Sep.
Shanavaz 16-1 (8-2) Held up in rear, never dangerous, 4th of 8, 10l behind Twist Again (9-7) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Sep.
Ingenue 12-1 (8-8) Led, hung left on home bend and driven over 2f out, ridden, edged left and headed well over 1f out, soon weakened, 7th of 13, 15l behind Dazzling Begum (8-13) at Folkestone 1m 7f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Sep.
Mymateeric 14-1 (7-12) Held up towards rear, headway on outside over 4f out, chased leaders and every chance 2f out, hung right and not quicken well inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 2l behind John Forbes (9-9) at Wolverhampton 2m hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
