tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
behind, headway on wide outside over 3f out, hard ridden to challenge approaching final furlong, soon weakened
chased leaders, under pressure over 2f out, soon weakened
always behind
always prominent, led over 1f out, ridden out
held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, never dangerous
held up in touch, every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace
always towards rear
soon led, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
There doesn't seem to be much to choose between Nacho Libre, Espy, Valentino Swing, and REPLENDANT NOVA so with the last mentioned likely to be the best value that's were we place our faith in this seven furlong handicap The pick ran better than the bare result suggested last time as he stayed on really well when perhaps given too much to do over course and distance. The gelding is now a full 14lbs better off than when last in front so with hints he's back to form we'll take the chance. Nacho Libre is also under a lighter burden than when last scoring to the tune of two pounds. He's held his form well in two runs since so should be running a big race. Espy is also well treated on the pick of his form and was only just denied last time while Valentino Swing is better off than his near miss under a penalty on his last start. This looks really competitive stuff but out of a leading quartet Replendant Nova is the best value.
Espy 14-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway over 1f out, soon chasing winner, ran on, 2nd of 10, nk behind Gap Princess (9-3) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
Expensive Problem 12-1 (9-0) Raced wide close up, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, 11th of 12, 11l behind Dvinsky (9-5) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct.
Resplendent Nova 6-1 (9-1) Behind, switched right and headway over 1f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 2l behind Defector (9-4) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
The Mouse Carroll (IRE) 50-1 (8-8) Slowly into stride, held up, ridden and weakened over 1f out, last of 11, 5l behind Moojeh (9-1) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Nacho Libre 5-2fav (8-5) Led to 4f out, chased leader to halfway, stayed prominent, hard driven over 1f out, rallied to dispute lead inside final furlong, not pace of winner final 50 yards, 3rd of 9, 3/4l behind Sarah's Art (9-2) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Dec.
Hip Hip Hooray 20-1 (8-7) Dwelt, held up, pushed along and no progress over 2f out, no chance when hampered on rail inside final furlong, last of 10, 14l behind Hawaana (9-7) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct.
Valentino Swing (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) Towards rear, pushed along over 2f out, headway under pressure under 1f out, stayed on well towards finish, 2nd of 12, hd behind Handsome Cross (9-3) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Dec.
Melt (IRE) 7-1 (10-5) Mid-division on outside, ran on inside final furlong, never troubled leaders, 6th of 16, 7l behind Shaded Edge (10-7) at Salisbury 7f ldy hcp 0-65 (6) gf in May.
Goodbye Cash (IRE) 16-1 (7-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 10, 22l behind Red Somerset (9-5) at Wolverhampton 7f clm stks (6) pol in Dec.
