in touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on
tracked leaders, led 2f out, ridden over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong
led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened
held up, ridden over 2f out, some progress, never on terms
mid-division, took closer order 4f out, one pace
always in rear
always in rear
towards rear, never dangerous
held up, ridden and outpaced 2f out, strong run approaching final furlong to lead close home
tracked leaders, effort and every chance over 1f out, weakened quickly
never dangerous
in touch, chased leader over 1f out, led briefly close home
Nonrunner
SOLICITUDE is suggested but Marmooq, King's Colour and Norcroft feature prominently in calculations and Mr Garston is another that could go well. Solicitude was narrowly beaten in a Lingfield seller last time but is competitive from her current mark in handicap company and should give a good account. She went close for Tom Queally over course and distance in November and the pair may be able to atone. King's Colour was impressive at Great Leighs and is relatively unexposed. However, he could have been better drawn, drops down in trip and has risen 5lbs in the weights so there could be some mileage in taking him on. Marmooq has been holding his form well and should be in the shake-up, Norcroft and Namu both come into the race on the back of wins and are respected whilst Mr Garston could be of interest at a bigger price. He's been a beaten favourite twice in his last three starts but the blinkers may help to harness his ability. Haasem is another that could be getting his head in front in the near future but we'll take a chance with Solicitude.
Norcroft 10-1 (9-6) Prominent, ridden over 2f, driven to lead entering final furlong, ran on, won at Southwell 7f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs beating Hamaasy (9-0) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
King's Colour 2-1fav (8-12) Made all, ridden clear over 2f out, kept up to work final furlong, won at Great Leighs 1m app hcp (6) pol in Dec beating Lady Aspen (8-3) by 3l, 7 ran.
Dawson Creek (IRE) 17-2 (9-2) Mid-division, keen on outside, weakened over 2f out, last of 9, 19l behind Risque Heights (9-6) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
Namu 7-1 (9-3) In touch, headway over 2f out, led approaching final furlong, ridden clear, won at Kempton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol beating Duke Of Milan (8-13) by 1l, 9 ran.
Inside Story (IRE) 20-1 (9-4) Awkward start, mid-division, never better, 7th of 11, 5l behind River Kirov (9-1) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec.
Mr Garston 4-1 (8-13) Prominent on inner, ridden and effort over 2f out, not pace to challenge over 1f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 5th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Tuxedo (8-1) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
Ike Quebec (FR) 33-1 (9-2) Behind, ridden 2f out, no headway, weakened over 1f out, last of 9, 8l behind Tuxedo (8-1) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Dec.
Haasem (USA) 7-1 (9-2) Held up in touch, not much room and switched right 1f out, ridden and ran on towards finish, 5th of 13, 2l behind Marmooq (8-9) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec.
Marmooq 11-2 (9-6) Held up, ridden and slightly outpaced over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong to close on leaders near finish, 5th of 13, 1 1/2l behind Street Power (9-0) at Kempton 7f hcp (6) pol.
Cheap Street 16-1 (8-13) Towards rear, never dangerous, 9th of 11, 6l behind River Kirov (9-1) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec.
Solicitude 9-2 (8-5) Raced on outside in mid-division, ridden 2f out, no headway until stayed on final furlong, closed on leaders near finish, 3rd of 12, 3/4l behind Northern Desert (8-10) at Lingfield 7f sll (6) pol.
Liberty Valance (IRE) 8-1 (9-0) Mid-division, ridden 2f out, kept on, 5th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Downhill Skier (9-0) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Wooden King (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Chased leaders on inner, pushed along halfway, driven to lead inside final furlong, kept on, won at Lingfield 7f hcap (6) pol in Dec beating Kabis Amigos (8-8) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
