held up in 3rd, challenged over 1f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, driven out
led, ridden and headed inside final furlong, not quicken
raced keenly, tracked leader until over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
It should pay to stick with Tom Dascombe's PLUSH in this handicap; the list of alternatives is headed by Star Strider and Mister New York. The selection has the plum draw and he arrives here in great form. He beat Star Strider last time out and on these terms it is hard to see the tables being turned tonight. Mister New York could therefore give our selection the most to think about as he was doing his best work at the finish when third behind Den's Gift at Lingfield last month.That was a solid run and if the gaps appear at the right time for him then he could go well. Spinning is better than he showed last time out, and like Just Bond, he does boast course and distance winning form. Andaman Sunset has not been seen out since October so he may come on for the run, and we will return to PLUSH who rates as a confident choice.
Spinning 10-1 (8-10) Slowly into stride, in rear and pushed along, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 7, 9l behind Councellor (9-2) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-100 (2) fbs in Jan.
Just Bond (IRE) 15-2 (9-0) Steadied start, held up in rear, headway on outside 3f out and in touch, soon ridden, no impression final 2f, weakened, 8th of 9, 7l behind Den's Gift (9-0) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Marning Star 14-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, held up, ridden and struggling over 2f out, 5th of 7, 13l behind Spectait (9-5) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Mister New York (USA) 5-1 (9-4) Steadied start, held up, headway over 1f out, stayed on to chase leading pair inside final furlong, closing and took 3rd finish, 3rd of 9, 3/4l behind Den's Gift (9-0) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Jan.
Plush 15-8fav (8-13) Slowly into stride, held up towards rear, headway on outer over 2f out, led 1f out, ran on well, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan beating Star Strider (9-4) by 4l, 9 ran.
Andaman Sunset 15-2 (9-4) Prominent when not much room soon after start, towards rear, pushed along over 4f out, ridden over 3f out, hung left 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 8, 4 1/2l behind Starlight Gazer (8-6) at Warwick 1m hcp 0-75.
Star Strider 7-1 (9-2) Slowly into stride, held up, mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken near finish, 4th of 10, 1 1/2l behind Tous Les Deux (9-1) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-75 (5) std.
Sew'n'so Character (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Mid-division, pushed along halfway, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 16, 12l behind Major Magpie (8-10) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Apr '07.
