took keen hold, tracked winner, 15 lengths adrift after 4f, always 2nd, never dangerous final 3f
steadied start, took keen hold, held up 3rd, ridden and in rear 3f out, never dangerous afterwards, tailed off
steadied start, held up in rear until went 3rd 3f out, never dangerous from over 2f out
took keen hold, made all, led, 15 lengths clear after 4f, distance clear 3f out, unchallenged, pushed out very easily
Outlandish is fancied to lead home the quartet of intended runners, from whom Turner's Touch is preferred as the main threat over Generous Lad and Sol Rojo. The last named has been struggling with the handicapper for the best part of a year and his last two starts in races of this nature have yielded very little for encouragement. That said, he is used to a slightly higher grade, so is no forlorn hope to spring a surprise if everything falls into place for him. Generous Lad has also found life tougher in 'proper' handicaps and will appreciate this ease in grade. He has won over this trip and, as he goes well at Kempton, a market move will be interesting. Turner¿s Touch showed guts and determination to win a claimer a fortnight ago and is very much respected on that effort alone. Ross Atkinson knows the gelding well and big run can be expected. However, Outlandish has far more scope for improvement and this unexposed five-year-old is worth keeping on the right side for the time being. Andrew Turnell¿s charge won a couple of bumpers on the artificial surface at Lingfield before getting off the mark on his debut on the Flat at the same course in January. A mark of 73 does look a little harsh Outlandish¿s debut in a handicap. But considering he had stacks in hand of his rivals on his debut, the son of Dr Fong need only run up that level to put the rest in their places today.
Outlandish 11-8fav (9-7) Soon led, made rest, clear 1f out, eased near finish, won at Lingfield 1m 4f mdn stk (5) pol in Jan beating Aphrodisia (8-12) by 2l, 9 ran.
Generous Lad (IRE) 5-2 (9-12) Led and soon clear, joined 5f out, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 5, 9l behind Capitalise (8-5) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Turner's Touch 6-1 (9-11) Slowly into stride, in rear, driven and headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, kept on, won at Lingfield 1m 4f clm (6) pol beating Medieval Maiden (9-4) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Sol Rojo 33-1 (8-0) Held up in rear, ridden well over 1f out, never dangerous, 6th of 7, 8l behind Princess Cocoa (8-11) at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (4) pol in Feb.
