slowly into stride, pushed along and outpaced behind, kept on from over 1f out
pushed along and outpaced, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden 2f out, one pace
led, ridden over 1f out, soon headed, no extra
chased leader, ridden over 1f out, no extra final furlong
outpaced halfway, stayed on to lead last 50 yards
chased leader, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed last 50 yards
mid-division, ridden halfway, no impression from over 1f out
behind and outpaced
A good sprint and IRISH PEARL is our recommendation ahead of Harry Up and Matsunosuke. The selection had been in cracking form towards the end of last season and looks to relish this surface. This is the toughest examination faced to date but if she can transfer her six furlong form to five, she has claims at a big price. Harry Up runs in claimers more often than not but is a genuine five furlong performer and thus is respected greatly. Matsunosuke is here under a penalty. He did finish behind How's She Cutting when pair met here in handicap company in November although it's worth noting that the Coogan runner has shown improved form since. Excusez Moi was listed class but the jury is out at present. Pawan continues to try hard though seems more suited to placing rather than winning in his time. Rebel Duke would have finished closer on his most recent start had he not blundered badly at the starting gate. Irish Pearl gets the vote in a fair race by the track's standards.
Excusez Moi (USA) 12-1 (9-2) Slowly into stride, behind, switched right over 1f out, soon no impression, 7th of 12, 5l behind Ceremonial Jade (9-2) at Great Leighs 6f stk (2) pol in Sept.
Matsunosuke 15-8jt-fav (9-2) Raced wide, keen, held up in touch, ridden 2f out, no impression final furlong, 3rd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Turn On The Style (9-5) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec.
Irish Pearl (IRE) 11-2 (9-7) Prominent until ridden and weakened quickly final furlong, last of 10, 12l behind Turn On The Style (9-7) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-95 (3) fbs in Dec.
How's She Cuttin' (IRE) 10-1 (8-11) Tracked leader, ridden and effort 2f out, soon lost 2nd, one pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 4l behind Duff (9-4) at Lingfield 6f lst stk (1) pol in Nov.
Harry Up 14-1 (8-4) Led, ridden 2f out, headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 7, 1/2l behind The Game (8-6) at Great Leighs 5f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec.
Pawan (IRE) 6-1 (8-11) Led 1f, chased leaders after, ridden 3f out, switched left 2f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 8, 2 1/2l behind The Tatling (8-7) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Dec.
Rebel Duke (IRE) 11-2 (8-13) Fly jumped start, slowly into stride, chased leaders after 1f, ridden and every chance from over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind The Tatling (8-7) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Dec.
Sands Crooner (IRE) 8-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride, towards rear, headway on inside over 1f out, weakened well inside final furlong, 7th of 9, 4l behind Ivory Silk (8-13) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) std in Dec.
Tartatartufata 18-1 (8-5) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, no extra final furlong, 6th of 10, 6l behind Turn On The Style (9-7) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-95 (3) fbs in Dec.