prominent, hard ridden to challenge over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, towards rear, headway over 1f out, soon ridden to challenge, ran on to lead inside final furlong, all out
chased leaders, pushed along over 2f out, one pace final 2f
slowly into stride, mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon no impression
held up, towards rear, switched right and headway over 1f out, chased leaders inside final furlong, never nearer
tracked leaders, hard driven before halfway, weakened 2f out
led, hard ridden over 1f out, soon hung right under pressure, headed inside final furlong, no extra
prominent early, lost place before halfway
in touch, ridden and weakened well over 1f out
pulled hard, tracked leaders, effort over 1f out, soon weakened
ALBERO DI GIUDA is on a roll and he is fancied to complete the hat-trick at the main expense of Only A Game and White Shift. Frank Sheridan's gelding has really taken to the track, winning two and finishing second in his last three starts. He has a 6lb penalty for his latest win but he scored with something in hand and from a good draw here he may take some stopping. It's also feasible that his win may get a boost from runners in our previous race. Smirfys Systems is a gallant old-timer and shaped well last time out; after two recent runs he should be spot-on now. White Shift has been tumbling down the weights for good reason but she shaped a lot better in defeat last time and needs a market check, whilst Trip Switch was only a couple of places further back at Lingfield. Only A Game has been holding his form well this winter at a variety of all-weather tracks. His latest third to Bishopbriggs looks solid form and he may still be able to win off this mark of 57. Acrosstheuniverse is unexposed and certainly has more to give at some point, Brazilian Brush has not gone on since a Southwell romp last month, whilst Iron Max is interesting with the cheek-pieces on for the first time. An interesting race, but it still looks a good chance for Albero Di Giuda to win his third in a row.
Smirfys Systems 12-1 (9-1) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, weakened final 100 yards, 9th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Hollow Jo (9-1) at Lingfield 6f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Jan.
White Shift (IRE) 20-1 (9-1) Disputed lead, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened final 100 yards, 8th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Hollow Jo (9-1) at Lingfield 6f hcp (0-65) (6) pol in Jan.
Albero di Giuda (IRE) 6-1 (10-5) Pulled hard, tracked leaders, went 2nd 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden and stayed on, won at Wolverhampton 6f am hcp 0-55 (6) pol beating Nabeeda (10-10) by 1 1/4l, 11 ran.
Trip Switch 25-1 (8-12) Soon led, ridden approaching 1f out, headed towards finish, no extra, 3rd of 13, 1/2l behind Copperwood (8-11) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Only A Game (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) In touch, ridden 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, kept on one pace, 3rd of 12, 2 1/2l behind Bishopbriggs (9-2) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.
Acrosstheuniverse (USA) 11-2 (9-3) Tracked leaders, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 11, 10l behind Peopleton Brook (9-4) at Lingfield 6f Handicap (0-58) (4yo+) (6) pol in Jan.
Divertimenti (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) Hampered and slowly into stride, always behind, 11th of 14, 10l behind Restless Genius (8-12) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Iron Max (IRE) 16-1 (8-4) Always behind, last of 11, 34l behind Hard Ball (8-9) at Southwell 7f hcp (6) fbs in Dec.
Myriola 40-1 (8-4) Held up, pushed along after 2f, never a factor, 10th of 11, 11l behind Pocket's Pick (9-4) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs in Dec.
Avoncreek 40-1 (8-1) Tracked winner, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 12, 8l behind Just Sam (9-0) at Redcar 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Sep.
Brazilian Brush (IRE) 14-1 (10-9) Held up in rear, never on terms, 8th of 12, 7l behind Miss Firefly (10-6) at Wolverhampton 6f am hcp 0-55 (6) pol.
