always handy, smooth headway to lead on bit approaching 2 out, blundered last, driven out, comfortably
always behind, hit 6th, soon beaten
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out and weakened from next
in touch, ridden and weakened from 3 out
mid-division, ridden 3 out, 1 length down and chased winner next, soon one pace
behind and lost touch from 3 out
led after first, ridden 3 out, headed next and soon weakened
DOESLESSTHANME is the most interesting contender and gets the nod ahead of Balyan and Morning Sunshine, while money for Art Bank - a former stablemate of the selection - would also be noteworthy. The last named has been off the track for just over a year, so obviously needs to prove his fitness above all else, though. Morning Sunshine has a bit more experience than a few of these and needs to start getting his act together. The Donald McCain-trained gelding also has a bit to find with the selection on a literal reading of the ratings. Still, he would be good value for a place if all eight stand their ground. Balyan is the wiliest of the bunch and is another that has passed through the hands of the Howard Johnson team. He is capable on his day but looks vulnerable to an improving type. This is exactly what he faces in the form of Doeslessthanme, who was far from disgraced when third to Alfie Flits in a Listed race at Haydock last month. This is a much easier assignment and, as his trainer is likely to have extensive notes on his main rivals, this appears to be there for the taking if Doeslessthanme has thrived since his last outing.
Doeslessthanme (IRE) 9-4 (11-4) Led, ridden approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, weakened 1f out, 3rd of 5, 9l behind Alfie Flits (11-0) at Haydock 2m lst nov hdl (1) gs in Nov.
Art Bank 18-1 (10-12) Not fluent mid-division, struggling from 3 out, 7th of 11, well behind Tot O'Whiskey (11-5) at Hexham 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov '07.
Balyan (IRE) 14-1 (11-6) Mid-division, steady headway at 4 out, ridden and effort 2 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 15, 9l behind Slavonic Lake (10-4) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs.
Braddock Island 50-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, driven and weakened from 3 out, 13th of 14, 47l behind Admiral Savannah (11-0) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft.
Ella Woodcock (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, beaten from next, 9th of 14, 38l behind Caravel (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m mdn hdl (5) gf.
Morning Sunshine (IRE) 6-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, chased winner approaching 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 16, 6l behind Smoke And Mirrors (10-12) at Wetherby 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Sandhills (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders until weakened 4 out, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Merrydown (10-12) at Kelso 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov, 11 ran.
Sir Douglas 40-1 (8-11) Prominent, hung badly right over 3f, eased over 1f, last of 14, 43l behind Blue Charm (9-2) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs (Flat).
