mid-division, pushed along over 2f out, never dangerous
close up, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden over 1f out, kept on and no impression
held up towards rear, headway over 1f out, kept on and no impression inside final furlong
made all, clear over 1f out, kept on strongly
held up in rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace
held up towards rear, ridden inside final furlong, no impression
tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, faded inside final furlong
chased winner, ridden over 1f out, kept on and no impression
slowly away, towards rear, ridden over 1f out, never dangerous
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, soon faded
Lion Hearted has been raised 13lb after winning a couple of Class 7 contests with the minimum of fuss since joining Mick Appleby. He should still go close despite that hike in the weights but GUN CASE may prove better value. Alistair Whillans’ charge is back on a winning mark having won over track and trip last year carrying joint top weight and this looks easier than his recent tasks. Scenery went close here last time but has yet to win in 14 attempts while Southwell winner Thunder Buddy failed to cope with a 5lb rise on his latest start and I Am Dandy is preferred.
Gun Case 8-1 (8-10) Always towards rear, 7th of 9, 6 3/4l behind Harvest Day (9-1) at Newcastle 7f hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Scenery 14-1 (9-5) Held up towards rear, headway near side of group over 2f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, led inside final furlong, headed towards finish, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Porrima (9-4) at Newcastle 7f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Thunder Buddy 7-2fav (9-2) Prominent, led 3f out, headed 2f out, no extra final furlong, 4th of 10, 7 1/2l behind Long Socks (9-3) at Southwell 1m hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Roaring Rory 4-1jfav (9-7) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, stayed on approaching final furlong, never on terms, 4th of 9, 2 3/4l behind Ginger Jam (9-1) at Newcastle 6f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Lion Hearted (IRE) 1-3fav (9-7) Mid-division, headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, drew clear, readily, won at Newcastle 7f hcp (7) pol in Jan beating Totally Magic (9-8) by 3 1/4l, 13 ran.
Thorntoun Lady (USA) 12-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride, behind, headway over 1f out, chased leaders inside final furlong, never able to challenge, 3rd of 9, 1l behind Ginger Jam (9-1) at Newcastle 6f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Black Hambleton 12-1 (9-6) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on towards finish, 4th of 11, 3 1/2l behind African Blessing (9-6) at Chelmsford City 7f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
I Am Dandy (IRE) 17-2 (9-4) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, lost 2nd well inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 1 1/4l behind Betty Grable (8-12) at Newcastle 1m hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Great Colaci 5-1fav (9-0) Chased leader, led 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 12th of 14, 11 1/4l behind Porrima (9-4) at Newcastle 7f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Makofitwhatyouwill 40-1 (9-10) In touch, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, faded final furlong, 5th of 13, 9l behind Lion Hearted (9-7) at Newcastle 7f hcp (7) pol in Jan.
Nutopia 4-1jfav (8-7) Held up, headway over 3f out, chased leaders over 1f out, no extra closing stages, 6th of 9, 3 3/4l behind Ginger Jam (9-1) at Newcastle 6f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
