tracked leaders, travelling well over 2f out, driven to challenge approaching final furlong, soon outpaced
held up towards rear, ridden over 2f out, chased leaders approaching final furlong, never on terms
tracked leaders, lost action over 7f out, soon pulled up
made all, quickened over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on well
slowly away, held up, headway over 3f out, soon chasing leaders, hard ridden and effort 2f out, soon weakened
always towards rear
in touch, left 2nd then hampered over 7f out, chased winner over 1f out, kept on.
Richard Fahey can recoup his travel costs for his one run of the day with JOE JO STAR, who's looking for a hat-trick, but challenges are expected from Scutch Mill and Miss Understanding. The selection won over hurdles at Musselburgh before a successful return to the all-weather at Wolverhampton last week, over 9 furlongs. The trip here shouldn't be a problem, and the change of stable has paid immediate dividends after being claimed in November. Jamie Spencer's in the saddle, and given his form at the moment, there are far more positives than negatives about the pick. These are racing at this level for a reason though, and it's not a contest to go overboard in. Scutch Mill's best days seem behind him, and he's been more successful hurdling than on the flat, although he's usually competitive. Miss Understanding gained her first placing last time out here in October, when a first time visor brought about a big improvement. Today they're putting blinkers back on in the hope of eking out further progress. Joe Jo Star sets the standard though, and if running to his ability, can take home the money.
Joe Jo Star 4-6fav (8-10) Held up in touch, pushed along over 2f out, led inside final furlong, pushed out, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (6) pol beating The Graig (8-10) by 1l, 12 ran.
Scutch Mill (IRE) 7-1 (8-7) Held up, headway on inner over 1f out, led and edged left inside final furlong, soon headed, kept on same pace, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Giddywell (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Kentavr's Dream 33-1 (9-2) Went right start, held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression, 4th of 5, 8l behind Incarnation (8-12) at Great Leighs 1m 2f mdn aut stk (5) pol in Nov.
Ruwain 13-2 (8-3) Tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, soon one pace, 4th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Astrolibra (8-13) at Yarmouth 1m 2f app hcp (6) gs in Aug.
Jiminor Mack 10-1 (8-7) Dwelt, soon in touch, improved from over 2f out, soon switched right, ridden to chase winner entering final furlong, kept on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 3l behind Chalice Welcome (8-12) at Great Leighs 1m 2f Stks (41-45) (7) pol in.
Silver Spruce 25-1 (7-13) Led 8f out, headed over 5f out, lost place over 2f out, 8th of 10, 15l behind Samurai Warrior (9-0) at Great Leighs 1m 2f app hcp (6) pol.
Miss Understanding 16-1 (8-4) Behind, under pressure halfway, hard ridden and headway on wide outside approaching final furlong, stayed on well, not reached winner, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Greek Theatre (9-4) at Great Leighs 1m 3yo hcp (6) pol in Oct.
