mid-division, ridden and weakened 2f out
chased winner, ridden over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
chased leaders, driven halfway, weakened over 2f out
close up, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
held up in rear, never nearer
held up in rear, never nearer
keen, in touch, effort when not clear run over 1f out, switched left and ran on inside final furlong
held up towards rear, kept on final furlong, nearest finish
made all, ridden and stayed on final furlong
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Barney McGrew gets the vote over Arctic Desert and Spring Goddess, with Super Frank and Certain Justice just two more in with claims. This is another competitive-looking affair, but the lightly-raced Barney McGrew catches the eye, and he is taken to make up for lost time. James Toller's gelding only made his debut here last September, and has already made his mark on the Polytrack, having opened his account at Wolverhampton on only his second racecourse appearance. He arguably ran even better in defeat when a close third to Fajr back here three weeks ago, and if Oscar Urbina can get him to settle better, a big run is on the cards. Arctic Desert won a class 5 handicap over the course-and-distance a year ago, but has been hard to win with since. However, he has shown improved form since being fitted with a tongue-tie, and it would be no surprise to see him involved in the finish. Super Frank has returned to form with a vengeance, but is upped two grades here, while Certain Justice was very unlucky in running at Kempton last time, but although he should maintain that form over Will He Wish, has a bit more to do in this company. Barney McGrew has more scope than most and is the pick.
Josh 10-1 (9-2) Mid-division, headway over 1f out, ran on under pressure inside final furlong, 5th of 14, 3/4l behind Ektimaal (8-11) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Hollow Jo 3-1fav (9-1) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, soon beaten, 9th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Lethal (8-13) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Will He Wish 11-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, hard ridden 2f out, ran on under pressure inside final furlong, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Ektimaal (8-11) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Meditation 33-1 (8-12) Led for 3f, led well over 1f out, headed approaching final furlong, unable to quicken, 4th of 14, 1/2l behind Ektimaal (8-11) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Sun Catcher (IRE) 4-1 (9-1) Mid-division on inside, ran on under pressure inside final furlong, 6th of 14, 1l behind Ektimaal (8-11) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Ivory Lace 25-1 (8-10) In rear, headway over 1f out, ran on strongly, 3rd of 14, 2l behind Grimes Faith (8-9) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Arctic Desert 8-1 (9-1) Mid-division, headway over 1f out, disputed 2nd final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 12, 1l behind Rebellious Spirit (9-2) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Barney McGrew (IRE) 6-1 (8-1) Tracked leader, lead after 3f, hard pressed 1f out, headed inside final furlon, no extra, 3rd of 9, 2l behind Fajr (9-0) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Spring Goddess (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) Took keen hold, in touch, ridden 3f out, soon outpaced, 9th of 12, 8l behind Kabeer (8-8) at Lingfield 1m hcap (5) pol in Dec.
Super Frank (IRE) 13-2 (9-2) Made all, in command from over 1f out, clear final furlong, unchallenged, won at Kempton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol beating Golden Square (8-9) by 2l, 13 ran.
Certain Justice (USA) 16-1 (8-10) Held up, not clear run and switched sharply left over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, ran on well, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Ektimaal (8-11) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Cinematic (IRE) 16-1 (8-8) Always behind, 10th of 12, 5l behind Rebellious Spirit (9-2) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
