in touch, effort on inside over 1f out, led approaching final furlong and clear
in touch, close up, chased clear winner soon after
tracked leaders, led after 2f, weakening when approaching final furlong
led, headed after 2f, weakened approaching 2f out
slowly into stride, headway 2f out, ridden and weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, outpaced and lost place 3f out, kept on again final furlong
towards rear, effort on outside 3f out, weakened final furlong
Smokey Rye is taken to land this open looking handicap with American Art and Stagecoach Topaz feared most. Gary Moore's hold-up performer has only lost out in photo finishes on his last two starts but can reverse that trend with George Baker back in the saddle. There are few better exponents of employing this tactic and Baker was on board when the gelding landed his sole success to date in November. Anything Barry Hills runs at this time of year must be considered and American Art looks sure to be a live danger with the pick of his form giving him every chance. Stagecoach Topaz may also be able to step up on previous efforts now handicapping and it would be no surprise to see him involved but George Baker and Smokey Rye are taken to land the spoils.
American Art (IRE) 10-3 (8-5) In rear and pushed along, headway from 2f out, not clear run over 1f out, stayed on to take 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Golan Knight (8-8) at Chester 7f 2yo hcp (3) gf in Aug.
Smokey Rye 12-1 (8-9) Held up in touch, progress over 2f out, ridden to chase winner inside final furlong, flashed tail under pressure, stayed on well, 2nd of 10, hd behind Geezers Colours (9-1) at Lingfield 7f 3yo hcp (4) pol.
Mafasina (USA) 3-1 (9-1) Keen, tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 5, 3 1/2l behind Hucking Hero (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 2yo hcp 0-95 (4) pol in Dec.
Stagecoach Topaz (USA) 7-1 (9-2) In touch, ridden 2f out, edged right and kept on, chased winner well inside final furlong, just held, 2nd of 13, hd behind San Silvestro (8-13) at Catterick 7f 2yo mdn auc (6) gf in Nov.
Annes Rocket (IRE) 6-4fav (9-3) Tracked leaders, went 3rd 2f out, challenged approaching final furlong, pushed along and ran on well to lead final 100 yards, won at W'hampton 6f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Dec beating Roundthetwist (9-0) by a nk, 7 ran.
Tiger's Rocket (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (8-13) Led early, always prominent, bumped well over 1f out, led entering final furlong, swished tail, ran on, won at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Dec beating Broughtons Flight (9-6) by 1l, 11 ran.
Kamal 13-2 (8-6) Steadied start, took keen hold towards rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on from over 1f out, no impression final furlong, 5th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Fathsta (9-0) at Lingfield 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Tallulah Sunrise 7-2 (9-4) Close up, ridden to chase leader over 2f out, every chance well inside final furlong, no extra final 50 yards, 3rd of 8, 2l behind Contessina (8-8) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (5) pol.
