made all, jumped well, ridden from 2 out, kept on well
tracked leaders, ridden and hit 3 out, soon one pace
mid-division, ridden from 4 out, soon beaten
always towards rear, beaten from 4 out
tracked winner throughout, ridden from 3 out, kept on one pace
always towards rear, beaten from 4 out
always behind
mid-division, headway to chase winner from 3 out, soon ridden, hit 2 out and last, kept on one pace flat
tracked leader, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
always towards rear, blundered badly 2nd
always behind
This could turn out to be an informative heat with several worthy of consideration but we'll stick with Akarem in preference to Compromiznotension and Mutawaffer. The selection was a high class performer on the Flat and has continued to perform creditably on his return to hurdling. He showed promise in three starts back in 2005/6 and had little trouble opening his account in November. He's lost little caste in defeat the last twice and has sound claims of returning to the winner's enclosure today. Luna Landing ran a nice race last time, Marsam and Nelsons Column are considered but Compromiznotension and Mutawaffer appeal more. Howard Johnson's charge was a long way behind the selection in November but posted a far better effort behind Halla San over this course and distance last time. Mutawaffer, like Halla San, is trained by Richard Fahey and this decent Flat handicapper would have to be feared if the market spoke in his favour. For the time being though, we'll stick with Akarem.
Marsam (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Made all, soon clear, mistake 3 out, jumped left last, unchallenged, won at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (3) gs in Nov beating Jardin De Vienne (10-12) by 4l, 9 ran.
Akarem 5-1 (11-5) Tracked leader, led 5th, ridden and headed last, kept on same pace flat, 2nd of 18, 3l behind Blue Bajan (11-5) at Doncaster 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Compromiznotension (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Tracked leader, headway to lead 4 out, ridden 2 out, headed and no extra run-in, 3rd of 15, 3l behind Halla San (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Filey Buoy 33-1 (11-8) In touch, effort 3 out, ridden and outpaced next, no impression approaching last, 6th of 14, 24l behind Pagan Rules (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 4f cnd nov hcp hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Grand Opera (IRE) 8-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, chased leaders and one pace final furlong, 3rd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Cool Ebony (9-2) at Musselburgh 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Sept (Flat).
Luna Landing 66-1 (11-0) Led, headed 4 out, still every chance 3 out, ridden and kept on one pace, 2nd of 10, 6l behind Kalahari King (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m hdl (2) gs in Dec.
Montchara (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, weakened 4 out, 9th of 11, 47l behind Knight Valliant (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m mdn hdl (5) gd in Dec.
Mr Twins (ARG) 25-1 (10-2) Towards rear, struggling from 9th and pulled up 5 out in race won by Brandy Wine (11-9) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy, 9 ran.
Musical Giant (USA) 100-1 (9-8) Behind, ridden and no impression when hung right over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 9, 28l behind Monsoon Wedding (8-12) at Hamilton 1m 1f 3yo & 4yo mdn (5) gs in Sept (Flat).
Nelsons Column (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) In touch, close up 4 out, ridden and hit next, soon weakened, 6th of 15, 30l behind Halla San (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Sutherland Belle (IRE) 5-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, moderate 5th 5 out, 4th next, good headway to challenge and lead 3 out, clear before next, stayed on well, won at Down Royal 2m mdn hdl gs in Dec beating Saltino (11-9) by 7l, 19 ran.
Karaburan (GER) 20-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden after 4th, weakened next, soon beaten and pulled up at the last in race won by Florentino (10-5) at Kelso 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan, 9 ran.
Soul Angel 100-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 5th of 9, well behind Florentino (10-5) at Kelso 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Mutawaffer 33-1 (8-9) In touch, pushed along over 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 17th of 19, 21l behind Purple Moon (9-4) at York 1m 6f hcap (2) gd in Aug (Flat).
