held up, headway halfway, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on
held up, headway over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
led, ridden over 2f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong
soon behind, ridden over 3f out, kept on from over 1f out, never troubled leaders
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on to go 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner
always behind
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, one pace final furlong
chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened inside final furlong
slowly into stride, soon pushed along, always behind
raced wide, chased leaders, ridden halfway, one pace final furlong
Celtic Mill overcame a three-month absence to score here last time and should be even fitter in his bid to follow up, with his previous victims Hurricane Coast, Soba Jones and Sundried Tomato all likely to prove troublesome again. Celtic Mill made it four wins from just seven starts over the course and distance 18 days ago, showing good early pace to get into the lead and then hold on gamely from a host of challengers. Although a bit higher in the weights, he will be that bit more honed to try and make most again and should be backed to hang on. Hurricane Coast has proved a real money-spinner for Paul Blockley this winter and has not done badly since moving stables. He is sure to give another honest performance, as is Soba Jones at the bottom of the handicap. Sundried Tomato showed that he too is running into form, judged on his last run, while Type One, Time N Time Again and Polar Kingdom all face rises for last-time-out victories. Bryan Smart saddles both Bond Playboy and Bond Boy, with preference for the latter, although the Thirsk stable have not been firing on all cylinders of late, while Ayr Gold Cup winner Quito has topweight to overcome. It should be fast and furious though, with Celtic Mill taken to lead the pack home from pillar-to-post.
