mid-division, headway on outside over 3f out, ridden 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
with leaders and keen, ridden over 1f out, kept on well towards finish
led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, driven 3f out, kept on same pace
held up, steady headway 2f out, switched left over 1f out, led inside final furlong
tracked leader, led over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, rallied near finish
in touch and keen, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
went right start, towards rear, ridden and headway on outside 2f out, kept on well inside final furlong, not reach winner
steadied start, never dangerous
held up and keen, plugged on towards finish
KIRSTYS LAD is taken to get back to winning ways in division two of this handicap at the main expense of Malinsa Blue. The selection is 4lb higher than when winning over course and distance last month and went well over an inadequate 7f last time. Michael Mullineaux's gelding should appreciate the return to this longer trip and with another winner this week there is no concern over the yard's form so from a good draw she can score. Malinsa Blue is up 3lb for a staying on win here last time, her first start on the Polytrack. Consistency is not always her strong point though and she is no good thing tonight. Victory Spirit wasn't far away here last month when this trip appeared to suit and so another good run is not ruled out. Royal Encore has stamina doubts over this trip while Putra Laju would have a great chance at these weights if at his best, but like his yard he is not in great form and we'll take Kirstys Lad here.
Putra Laju (IRE) 14-1 (8-12) Towards rear, headway from 2f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 13, 4l behind Tous Les Deux (9-6) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
The City Kid (IRE) 10-1 (9-4) Held up towards rear, headway on outer when hampered entering final furlong, stayed on towards finish, 4th of 12, 3l behind Murrin (9-9) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Aug.
Malinsa Blue (IRE) 15-2 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, ran on under strong pressure to lead towards finish, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Oct beating Kargan (8-9) by a hd, 10 ran.
Kirstys Lad 6-1 (8-11) Held up towards rear, headway on outside well over 1f out, hung left and kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Shunkawakhan (8-11) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Gramm 16-1 (9-8) Led, headed well over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, last of 10, 15l behind Bentley (9-4) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jun.
Lujano 22-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, ridden and effort over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, one pace, 5th of 13, 3 1/2l behind Blues Minor (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo hcp (6) pol.
Moment of Clarity 18-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 12, 8l behind Hucking Heat (9-8) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Oct.
Royal Encore 9-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, headway 2f out, hampered approching final furlong, running on when hampered again inside final furlong, not recover, 5th of 14, 3l behind Epidaurian King (9-5) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Oct.
Charming Tale (USA) 13-2 (9-1) Dwelt, behind, headway and not clear run from over 1f out, switched left and shaken up inside final furlong, stayed on well, never nearer, 5th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Milne Bay (9-0) at Great Leighs 6f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Felicia 11-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders, ridden, effort over 1f out when hampered and checked, beaten when eased inside final furlong, 10th of 14, 6l behind Saucy (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Victory Spirit 20-1 (8-12) Held up in rear, still plenty to do 2f out, headway and hung left over 1f out, stayed on to go 2nd well inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 2l behind Wakita (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Oct.
Lady Benjamin 18-1 (8-5) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, driven and weakened inside final furlong, 11th of 18, 6l behind Apollo Shark (9-4) at Redcar 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Sept.
Fairyville (IRE) 50-1 (7-8) Pulled hard, prominent, weakened 2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 7l behind Orpenindeed (8-8) at Great Leighs 6f clm (5) std.
