close up, pushed along over 3f out, ridden 2f out, driven to lead well inside final furlong
in touch, went 3rd over 4f out, ridden and found nil over 1f out, soon weakened
tracked leader, ridden to lead narrowly 2f out, soon carried head high and looked unwilling, headed well inside final furlong, no extra
raced in last place, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out
dwelt, mid-division, driven and outpaced 2f out, stayed on to go 3rd towards finish
held up, ridden over 3f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong
led, ridden and headed narrowly 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
In a tricky maiden to open proceedings we will oppose the likely short priced favourite Mellow Mixture in favour of the improving RED SUEDE SHOES while Leo The Lion is entitled to get close as well. The selection improved on his debut run to finish a close runner-up last time out. Today represents a step up to this trip for the first time but he should get it and with the form so far working out well from his last effort he could fulfil on the promise that he will win a race like this. Mellow Mixture is already rated at a useful looking 76 and has been knocking on the door in recent efforts. It is a little concerning that front running tactics are often applied with this one, which generally doesn't suit this track, and a few similar chances to get off the mark have gone begging already. Leo The Lion seemed to take a backward step from his debut last time after getting a bit outpaced. However he stayed on well enough to suggest that this longer trip could be ideal and this track could bring out his best. Urban Space and Spirit Of The Glen have shown a modicum of talent so far and improvements will be needed to feature strongly but they shouldn't be able to tread on Red Suede Shoes.
Leo The Lion (IRE) 2-1 (8-5) Led until 8f out, chased leader to 3f out, soon outpaced, stayed on again inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 3l behind Dubai Storming (8-5) at Kempton 1m 3f mdn aut stk (6) pol.
Mellow Mixture 5-2 (9-3) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, hung left and stayed on inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Ladies Dancing (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) pol.
Red Suede Shoes 25-1 (9-0) Held up 5th, headway to chase leaders over 1f out, chasing winner when carried right well inside final furlong, gaining near finish, 2nd of 10, nk behind Signella (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Jan.
Urban Space 50-1 (9-3) In touch, lost place 3f out, no impression after, 5th of 8, 17l behind Takaatuf (9-3) at Pontefract 1m 2yo mdn (4) gf in Sept.
First Spirit 80-1 (9-0) Always towards rear, 12th of 13, 10l behind Luckier (9-0) at Lingfield 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) pol in Dec.
Spirit of The Glen 33-1 (8-12) Started slowly, held up in rear, reminder over 4f out, ridden over 3f out and losing touch, no chance final 2f, eased inside final furlong, tailed off, 5th of 6, 23l behind Lord Chancellor (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Jan.
Suhailah 20-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, in rear, ridden and struggling from 4f out, last of 8, 16l behind Ladies Dancing (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo mdn (5) pol.
