tracked leaders, hampered 3 out, soon ridden and one pace, no extra flat
tracked leaders, went close 2nd going ok when fell 3 out
held up, closed when hampered 3 out, went 2nd towards finish, no impression on winner
held up in rear, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
mostly tracked winner, mistake 1st, ridden 3 out, no impression and lost 2nd towards finish
made all, driven flat, stayed on gamely
Celestial Magic was in very good form at this time a year ago, winning at Warwick and Towcester, and is only 3lb higher. COMBER MILL was tackling heavy ground for the first time when landing a handicap over the track and trip on New Year's Eve where he made all. This is slightly tougher but he's only been raised 3lb and can go in again. Prussian Eagle doesn't win very often but there's no doubt he's dropped to a fair mark and ran a bit better at Ludlow last month. Akula has won around here though his last victory was in a seller.
Celestial Magic 12-1 (11-3) In rear, fell heavily 1st, at Southwell 2m hcp (3) gd in Dec.
Prussian Eagle (IRE) 6-1 (11-3) Made most until 4 out, led 3 out, headed before last, no impression on winner flat, 2nd of 9, 4l behind Litterale Ci (11-7) at Ludlow 2m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Dun Scaith (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Always behind, never a factor, 10th of 12, dist behind Friday Night Light (11-3) at Newbury 2m hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Benissimo (IRE) 25-1 (10-5) Keen, tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 3f out, 6th of 10, 32 1/4l behind Shine Baby Shine (10-10) at Southwell 2m hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Akula (IRE) 100-1 (10-11) Led, headed before and mistake 3 out, ridden before last, soon outpaced, kept on from 2 out, 3rd of 12, 8 1/2l behind Joke Dancer (11-12) at Haydock 2m hcp (4) hvy in Jan.
Comber Mill (FR) 7-1 (11-5) Made all, hard ridden and strongly pressed after 2 out, held on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (5) hvy in Dec beating Richardofdoccombe (10-8) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
