led, headed 2nd, led again 3rd, headed briefly 4 out, ridden 2 out, held on
tracked leaders, not fluent 3rd, closer order 8th to join leaders, ridden 10th, under pressure and every chance 2 out, one pace
with leader, led briefly 11th, ridden next, weakened
held up and going well, shaken up to join leaders 2 out, mistake when every chance last, ran on flat (unlucky)
Polar Scout still held every chance when unseating two out at Fakenham last time and is taken to make amends here at the main expense of Withthelads and Sossus Vlei. The last mentioned was a consistent performer in novice events last term without winning a race and deserves to win a race. The handicapper has given him a chance allotting the son of Inchinor a mark of 111 for his debut in this grade but lack of a recent outing is of concern. The 10-year-old Coral Island has failed to sparkle in his last two starts, latterly when down the field here in February so is probably best watched and a bigger threat may come from Withthelads. Peter Bowen's gelding won a handicap at Fontwell in September but disappointed on a return visit to the same venue the following month. He has to be respected but the vote goes to Polar Scout. The son of Arctic Lord looked like opening his account first time out at Fakenham until unseating Noel Fehily two out and can gain compensation off just a 2lb higher mark.
