tracked leader, ridden to lead entering final 2f, stayed on
dwelt, keen, tracked leaders 7f out, ridden and no impression over 2f
keen, held up in last place, close enough when ridden over 2f out, no impression, eased final furlong
set steady pace, ridden and headed entering final 2f, kept on same pace
The last race of the evening can go to CHARLIE SMIRKE ahead of Follow The Flag and Diamond Twister. Gary Moore's horse has been ultra consistent all winter long on the all weather and if not feeling the effects of all those races he should go close. Richard Hughes is also an interesting jockey booking for the yard. Follow The Flag has been in decent nick of late and with a good five lbs clammier booked he must enter calculations. Diamond Twister was rated higher this time last year and showed improved form on his latest start so he is also interesting. Mr. Hichens is a course and distance winner who is in form so must be respected.
Addwaitya 22-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 13, 8l behind Poyle Meg (8-13) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Follow The Flag (IRE) 25-1 (8-6) Tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on to go 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Gaily Noble (9-4) at Lingfield 1m app hcp (0-85) (4yo+) (4) pol in Mar.
Charlie Smirke (USA) 2-1fav (9-4) Held up, headway approaching 1f out, ridden to lead towards finish, ran on, won at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Mar beating Lastkingofscotland (8-13) by 1l, 9 ran.
Diamond Twister (USA) 14-1 (9-2) In touch, chased leaders over 2f out, led 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 13, 1 3/4l behind Beaubrav (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Mr Hichens 8-1 (8-13) In touch, not clear well over 1f out, switched right to rail, strong run inside final furlong, finished well, edged left near finish, 3rd of 13, 1/2l behind Tudor Key (9-3) at Windsor 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
