held up, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
led, jumped left 3rd, ridden approaching 2 out, under pressure and headed close home
always in rear
tracked leader, ridden approaching last, kept on gamely, rider dropped whip flat, led close home
held up, headway after 3 out, soon chasing leaders, weakened 2 out
held up, headway to chase leaders after 3 out, kept on for 3rd
tracked leaders, weakened 3 out
SUNTINI makes most appeal and is readily preferred to Abstract Art and Oiseau De Nuit. Benetwood has proved a major disappointment given his latent talent and isn't a betting proposition despite his yard's good form. Abstract Art ran some good races last season (notably when third to Punchestowns and The Package at Sandown) but flopped on his return; he's better than that and remains open to improvement. Master Mahogany is respected but may find some of his rivals better handicapped and their number includes Simply Blue who is settling far better now than he did earlier in his career. He has ground to make up on Oiseau De Nuit on their course and distance running and the Hobbs runner looks sure to go close at a track where he runs well. He has yet to win over hurdles though unlike the selection who landed a touch on his penultimate start. Suntini didn't see the trip out as well as some when stepped up half a mile for his latest start at Sandown but the return to racing over the minimum can see this progressive gelding return to the winner's enclosure.
Abstract Art (USA) 20-1 (10-13) Took keen hold, held up, ridden after 7th, soon weakened, blundered 2 out, behind when pulled up at the last in race won by Irish Legend (10-3) at Chepstow 2m 4f lst hcp hdl (1) gd in Oct, 9 ran.
Benetwood (IRE) 11-1 (11-5) Held up in touch, hit 3rd, chased leaders approaching 3 out, ridden and hampered 2 out, weakened soon after, 5th of 9, 16l behind Hector's Choice (11-4) at Newbury 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Master Mahogany 11-1 (11-9) Chased leader, challenged approaching 3 out, ridden and outpaced approaching 2 out, rallied to lead last, driven out, won at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs beating Triple Bluff (10-2) by 2l, 7 ran.
Simply Blue 66-1 (11-3) Held up and never on terms, no impression, 8th of 9, 31l behind Ashkazar (11-7) at Wincanton 2m hdl Grd 2 (1) sft in Feb.
Oiseau de Nuit (FR) 4-1co-fav (11-1) In touch, headway to chase leaders in 3rd, every chance 2 out, weakened between last 2, 4th of 12, 13l behind Hohlethelonely (10-9) at Kempton 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Feb.
Suntini (GER) 4-1 (11-1) Held up, headway going well approaching 2 out, led 2 out, headed last, soon well held 2nd, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 16, 4 1/2l behind Silk Affair (10-8) at Sandown 2m 4f nov hcp hdl (3) sft in Feb.
Baby Car (FR) 66-1 (11-2) Always behind, struggling in rear 3 out, 9th of 14, 24l behind Stance (10-4) at Sandown 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Feb.
