mid-division, mistake 4th, lost touch 11th, tailed off next
chased leaders, pushed along 4 out, weakened after next
behind, not fluent 3rd, brief effort under pressure 4 out, soon beaten
chased leaders, led narrowly 10th to 12th, weakened approaching 3 out
held up, headway approaching 4 out, chased leaders 2 out, no extra before last
tracked leaders, led 7th to 10th, led 12th, pressed last, kept on gamely under pressure flat
held up in mid-division, effort 12th, chased winner from 3 out, challenged last, kept on under pressure flat
behind, blundered 12th, strong headway from next, weakening when blundered 2 out
soon in mid-division, hit 8th, behind after 12th
towards rear, blundered 12th, headway under pressure approaching 4 out, stayed on same pace from next
chased leaders until weakened approaching 2 out
behind, blundered 2nd, jumped right 11th, pulled up before next
always behind, not fluent 5th, lost touch 8th, tailed off
led, hit 4th, headed 7th, stayed in touch, weakening when fell 4 out
held up in rear-division, steady headway into mid-division 10th, weakened after 3 out
Europa bounced back to form at Kempton last time - with Spring Grove looking held on that form - and, if his troubles are behind him now, can score again, with Spring Margot, Zaffamore, Mondial Jack and Mark Equal seen as his main rivals. It was a fine training performance from Ferdy Murphy to be bring Europa back from a break to score in Surrey. Having shown himself to be a high-class novice a couple of years ago, the eight-year-old then suffered from injuries. However, Kempton suggested that he is on the way back, a five-pound rise for his win does not seem excessive and, blessed with a turn of foot also, he looks set to run a big race here. Mark Equal looked good when scoring over course and distance in November but then disappointed when backed atCheltenham. It could be that this track suits him better and he can go well although, in fairness, the field he beat here was not the strongest. Shalako's form is solid and he is now four pounds better off for the neck that separated him and Spring Grove at Sandown in November. However, Spring Margot was returning from a long absence that day and might just have a good deal better to come. Zaffamore is well weighted with Avalanche based on their Kempton runs in January and could give you a good run for your money. Cameron Bridge is five pounds better off for the four lengths that he finished behind the selection at Kempton, which affords him a chance, while Claymore was second in this race last year from a two-pound lower mark. Tango Royal and Bleu Superbe are both six pounds above a winning mark, while Mondial Jack was a very good second to the progressive Massac in a Graded contest at Windsor last time and is another that can go well here. Overall, though, we will stick with Europa.
