held up in touch, not fluent 4th, ridden 3 out, 4th and beaten when mistake 2 out, weakening when mistake last
led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, no impression on winner next, stayed on same pace
tracked leaders, not fluent 5th, ridden 3 out, beaten in 3rd 2 out, weakening when mistake last
tracked leader, reminder after 4th, led before 3 out, clear from next, stayed on
held up in touch on outside, closed 4th, not fluent and lost place next, weakened 6th, pulled up before 2 out
Donald McCain's runners here are always worth a second look and Theatrical Style is no exception. The Musselburgh third has already been placed twice around here, though is proving difficult to place off his current mark. The same could be said of BEAT THE TIDE but this is quite a stiff track so his ability to stay further could be an asset and he can provide his struggling yard with a boost. What A Scorcher has only finished out of the frame once over hurdles and runs in her first handicap so can't be ignored. She's preferred to Political Quiz, who looks harshly treated.
Political Quiz 25-1 (11-5) Mid-division, outpaced 3 out, well beaten next, 6th of 16, 28 1/2l behind Expedite (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f (4) sft in Dec.
Twin Barrels 20-1 (11-12) Led until 4th, weakened before 6th, tailed off next, soon pulled up, at Kempton 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Feb.
Beat The Tide 4-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway on outside 6th, in touch when mistake 3 out, challenged next, ridden and every chance last, not pace of winner flat, 2nd of 11, 11l behind Tanarpino (11-2) at Catterick 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Jan.
Theatrical Style (IRE) 6-4fav (11-6) Chased winner, pushed along 4 out, ridden and lost 2nd before 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 11, 7 3/4l behind Ascot De Bruyere (11-6) at Musselburgh 2m mdn (5) sft in Feb.
What A Scorcher 11-2 (11-0) Raced wide, tracked leading pair, pushed along and one pace before 2 out, 3rd of 7, 15 3/4l behind Pink Play (11-0) at Southwell 2m mdn (4) hvy in Dec.
