tracked leader and keen, ridden over 1f out, chased winner inside final furlong, always held
in rear and keen, went 3rd 4f out, ridden to lead 1f out, kept on well
led and keen, ridden and headed 1f out, no extra and lost 2nd place inside final furlong
tracked leaders in 3rd, in rear from 4f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out
In a long career that has seen 16 victories, MATSUNOSUKE has only raced once on this track, back in June 2008. He's never won at Southwell so his latest poor effort there should be forgiven and his overall form looks too good for these. Vhujon's two victories from 32 all-weather starts is a poor return and he's rated 21lb inferior to the selection, though his young rider's claim should aid his cause. Athwaab has had a break but was in very good form at the beginning of last year and likes this track. He would be better off in a handicap, however, as he's well treated and his future entries should be noted. Cape Melody has only had four starts on the all-weather and could just need this, his first for new connections after a break.
Matsunosuke 7-2 (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, slightly bumped well over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 9, 8l behind Colorus (8-5) at Southwell 5f clm stks (6) fbs in Dec.
Vhujon (IRE) 9-2 (9-2) Chased leading trio, driven to dispute 2nd inside final furlong, weakened towards finish, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Caprio (9-7) at Kempton 7f clm stks (6) pol.
Athwaab 14-1 (8-9) Raced wide, in touch, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 10, 7l behind Kinigi (8-9) at Brighton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Oct.
Doctor's Cave 40-1 (8-7) In touch, stumbled 4f out, soon behind, 8th of 10, 18l behind Emiratesdotcom (8-13) at Bath 6f hcp 0-55 (6) gd in Aug.
Cape Melody 6-1 (8-6) Dwelt, soon in touch and keen, clipped heels stumbled and unseated rider over 2f out, in a race won by Sunrise Safari (8-8) at Windsor 6f clm stks (6) gf in Oct, 13 ran.
