held up mid-division, headway before 2 out, soon pushed along to chase leader, kept on to lead towards finish
held up towards rear, headway before 3 out, kept on and no impression
tracked leader, ridden and weakened after 3 out
always towards rear
tracked leaders, headway before 4 out, led before 3 out, ridden before last, kept on and headed towards finish
in rear, effort 2 out, never dangerous
in touch, ridden before last, faded run-in
led, hit 4 out, headed before next, soon weakened
This looks a competitive contest with all, bar probably bottom weight Claude Carter, having some sort of chance. HOLLY BUSH HENRY is on a roll and there is considerable scope for improvement after he made a winning start in handicaps at Doncaster. A 14lb rise and step-up in class are potential hazards but he could complete the hat-trick. Shrewd won very easily when well backed on his reappearance over track and trip but was raised 15lb for that. Zaidiyn is eased in grade and should go well and there also possibilities about Teo Vivo, Domtaline and Silver Duke on today's terms.
Holly Bush Henry (IRE) 5-2fav (11-12) Held up in touch, headway before 3 out, led 3 out, pressed last, kept on well run-in, won at Doncaster 2m 1f hcp (4) sft in Dec beating Qasser (11-9) by 6l, 11 ran.
Zaidiyn (FR) 9-2 (11-1) Mid-division, headway 3 out, chasing leaders when blundered last, never able to challenge, 3rd of 8, 3 3/4l behind Aristo Du Plessis (11-12) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (2) gs in Jan.
Jet Master (IRE) 50-1 (10-13) In rear, headway before 4 out, ridden before 2 out, one pace, 6th of 9, 11 1/2l behind Rock The Kasbah (11-9) at Haydock 2m 3f hcp (2) sft in Nov.
Domtaline (FR) 25-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, ridden to challenge 2 out, kept on after last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 13, 6l behind Spice Fair (11-6) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Teo Vivo (FR) 14-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders 5 out, led 3 out, headed last, stayed on well, 2nd of 12, 3 1/4l behind Away For Slates (11-7) at Musselburgh 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Jan.
Shrewd 85-40fav (11-12) Held up towards rear, headway on inside after 4 out, effort next, soon challenged, led betwen last 2, ridden clear flat, ran on, easily, won at Musselburgh 2m hcp (4) gs in Jan beating Moonlone Lane (11-10) by 6l, 13 ran.
Silver Duke (IRE) 25-1 (10-0) Held up, headway on inside 3 out, mistake next, kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 5 3/4l behind Aristo Du Plessis (11-12) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (2) gs in Jan.
Frederic 10-1 (10-0) Held up in rear, never a factor, 7th of 8, 9l behind Aristo Du Plessis (11-12) at Musselburgh 2m hcp (2) gs in Jan.
Claude Carter 9-1 (11-2) In touch, hard driven to challenge 3 out, weakened approaching last, 6th of 12, 21 1/2l behind Away For Slates (11-7) at Musselburgh 2m 3f hcp (4) gs in Jan.
