led 2f, led again after 3f, ridden and headed over 2f out, stayed on one pace
behind from 10f out
in touch, ridden to chase leader halfway, hung right and every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
slowly into stride, always in rear
pulled hard, tracked leaders, ridden 6f out, soon weakened
went left at start, in touch, outpaced 4f out
led after 2f, headed after 3f, ridden halfway, weakened 6f out
held up, ridden 6f out, headway over 3f out, kept on one pace final 2f
in rear, ridden halfway, never dangerous
hampered start, headway 10f out, ridden and led over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
keen, held up, ridden 5f out, soon weakened
Scurra gets the vote here over the likes of High Frequency, Trebello and Step Perfect, with Logger Rhythm also worth a mention. This is another race that that will take little winning, and the recent effort of Scurra should give connections enough hope that he can return to the winner's enclosure for the first time since scoring at Ayr in June 2004. Given a break since October, the seven-year-old was put firmly in his place by Indian Chase on his return here a fortnight ago, but still managed to finish in front of Logger Rhythm. Therefore, despite the latter re-opposing on more favourable terms, Scurra should still have his measure at least. A bigger danger may be High Frequency whose stable does well here and who bids to get the losses back after letting his supporters down over 14 furlongs three weeks ago. He is inconsistent but the step back up in trip should help. Trebello has an absence to overcome, while Step Perfect has cheekpieces on for the first time to help him last home. Old Jamaican Flight should help ensure that they go a fair clip, and that should help Scurra to settle before picking them off to prevail.
Step Perfect (USA) 14-1 (9-5) Led, headed over 4f out, remained prominent, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Elaala (8-10) at Southwell 1m 6f banded stk (7) fbs.
Midnight Creek 9-2 (9-1) Held up mid-division, headway 6f out, ridden and weakened 3f out, 11th of 12, 25l behind Blue Hills (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 6f banded stk (7) pol in Dec.
High Frequency (IRE) 9-2fav (8-8) In touch, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 14, 14l behind Sugitani (8-11) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
Boulevin (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) Slowly into stride and held up, progress into 7th halfway, weakened 2f out, 12th of 14, 18l behind Shoooz (9-4) at Ballinrobe 1m 1f app hcp 0-60 gf in Jul.
Logger Rhythm (USA) 9-4fav (9-0) Held up towards rear, ridden over 4f out, driven to chase leading pair over 2f out, soon no impression, 3rd of 9, 6l behind Indian Chase (9-2) at Southwell 2m banded stk (7) fbs.
Scurra 13-2 (8-7) Chased leaders, led over 4f out, ridden, headed over 1f out, kept on but no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Indian Chase (9-2) at Southwell 2m banded stk (7) fbs.
Trebello 3-1 (9-2) Soon led, ridden and headed 3f out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Notte Italiana (8-5) at Yarmouth 1m 6f 3yo & 4yo sll (6) hvy in Oct.
Maunby Reveller 6-4fav (8-8) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 7, 15l behind King's Envoy (8-9) at Southwell 2m banded stk (7) fbs in Feb.
