patiently ridden in rear, not fluent 2nd, took closer order 3 out, headway to chase leader approaching last, ran on strongly, never reached winner
reluctant to race, soon led, pushed along 4 out, headed after next, staying on same pace when mistake last
prominent, under pressure 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, led approaching 2 out, soon ridden clear, challenged after last, stayed on well
chased leaders, mistake 5th, hit 4 out, weakened after 2 out
Jackers is back on a winning mark and should be a lot happier back over hurdles, while Millers Reef may do better now tackling handicaps. Southway Star improved last year, winning three times, but has been absent since December and reappears on a career-high mark. WOODLARK ISLAND came back to form when well backed at Towcester last time. He's back up in grade here but has won off this mark in the past and looks the one to beat again with stable companion Dukes Art harshly treated on his handicap debut.
Dukes Art 12-1 (10-13) Held up in last trio, ridden before 2 out, kept on same pace, never on terms, 6th of 12, 22l behind Ile De Re (11-9) at Sandown 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Woodlark Island (IRE) 2-1fav (11-12) Made all, clear after 2nd until before 2 out, joined 2 out, driven and strongly pressed when left clear last, won at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gs beating Sendinpost (10-13) by 12l, 7 ran.
Jackers 22-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, headway halfway, weakened 5 out, 7th of 8, 30l behind Kirbys Glen (10-3) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gf.
Millers Reef (IRE) 50-1 (11-1) Behind, pushed along in modest 5th after 3 out, plugged on, disputing modest 4th 2 out, weakened between last 2, 5th of 11, 41l behind Monte Cavallo (11-1) at Wincanton 2m mdn hdl (4) gs.
Be Kind 28-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, shaken up after 7th, lost touch from 9th, tailed off, 7th of 8, well behind Sea Saffron (11-0) at Exeter 2m 7f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd.
Southway Star 13-8fav (10-4) Held up towards rear, pushed along after 6th, ridden after 4 out, never able to challenge, weakened after next, tailed off, 8th of 11, 46l behind Matrow's Lady (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) sft in Dec.
