in touch, led over 5f, headed over 2f, weakened final furlong
dwelt and towards rear, headway over 4f out, ridden to lead over 2f out, driven out final furlong
prominent, ridden when outpaced over 3f out, headway over 1f out, chased winner final furlong
held up, effort over 3f out, never reached challenging position
chased leaders, ridden 4f out, driven and one pace final 2f
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
led, headed over 5f out, soon beaten
always rear division
in touch, ridden over 3f out, soon beaten
prominent, ridden and every chance over 2f out, stayed on same pace
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Not a race for large stakes, but Ionian Spring is still capable at this level and is preferred to Stevedore, Mossman Gorge and Bethanys Boy. The last named is a better horse on the All Weather these days and, having proven form at Southwell, he should not be underestimated in this company. He does need to post a much better effort than his latest effort over hurdles and, from a mark of 77, he needs everything to go his way. Mossman Gorge has the ability to win in this grade and comes here on the back of a fair performance last time out. He has a good record of making the frame and is a serious contender for placepot punter to include. Stevedore's last win came in a handicap here a year ago and has been very lightly raced subsequently. This course suits his style of running and he is likely to make this a good test for the rest if he runs his usual race. However, Ionian Spring will be suited by a strong gallop and, although not the force he was, the 11-year-old will be hard to resist as he winds up with his challenge in his customary fashion today.
Stevedore (IRE) 13-2 (10-11) Led, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, no extra, 4th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Sol Rojo (10-11) at W'hampton 1m 1f amt hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Ionian Spring (IRE) 5-4fav (9-8) Held up, improved over 3f out, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Luis Melendez (9-8) at Yarmouth 1m 2f clm (6) frm in Jul.
Bethanys Boy (IRE) 7-1 (8-5) Towards rear, never a factor, last of 10, 40l behind Tagula Blue (8-5) at Pontefract 1m 2f app hcp (5) gd in Apr.
Royle Dancer 16-1 (8-5) Chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened and hung left over 1f out, 9th of 12, 9l behind Happy as Larry (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.
Atlantic Gamble (IRE) 9-2 (8-9) In touch, went 2nd 3f out until 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 5l behind Little Richard (8-13) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcap (6) pol.
Mossmann Gorge 11-1 (9-3) Held up, ridden and headway over 3f out, driven and one pace final furlong, 2nd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Jazrawy (8-6) at Southwell 1m 3f clm (6) fbs.
Mi Odds 40-1 (9-4) Mid-division, weakened over 2f out, 11th of 14, 24l behind Zed Candy (8-5) at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Nov.
Danelor (IRE) 25-1 (8-3) Towards rear, never dangerous, 11th of 13, 11l behind Kingsmaite (8-8) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
