chased leader until ridden over 1f out, one pace
behind, pushed along and weakened over 3f out
chased leaders, weakened 3f out
chased leaders, weakened over 2f out
behind, outpaced over 3f out, kept on final 2f, no impression
chased leaders, weakened over 2f out
held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, led entering final furlong, kept on well
soon led, ridden over 2f out, headed entering final furlong, one pace
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong
slowly into stride, in rear, headway over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous
A number of old friends on view and we side with Rafferty ahead of Shrine Mountain and Skip Of Colour. Chances for Rafferty have been hampered by the handicapper's attentions and having finished behind Shrine Mountain when the pair met a couple of weeks ago, it is envisaged that he will have come on for the run and can reverse the form. Ron Harris' stable have farmed these races in the past so don't expect Shrine Mountain to simply roll over but it is noted that he has never won previously at Dunstall Park. Skip Of Colour appeared to appreciate catch me if you can tactics last time out and is sure to be tried under the same. Atlantic Viking is a light of his former self. Prince Of Gold invariably runs well here and can give a good account despite having plenty to do on official figures. Shunkawakhan does not appear the most straight forward of rides and is probably best watched until professional handling is sought. Alcharinga drops in grade following little success in maidens. Rafferty is much the best of these on figures and it is hoped that he transfers that ability onto the track.
Crafty Fox 7-1 (9-3) Held up, lost touch and dropped rear over 2f out, never dangerous afterwards, 10th of 12, 11l behind Carcinetto (8-12) at Lingfield 6f 3yo & 4yo sll (6) pol in Nov.
Shrine Mountain (USA) Evensfav (9-7) Raced keenly, soon led, ridden and headed well over 2f out, no chance with winner after, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 8, 11l behind King of Music (9-2) at Lingfield 1m 2f sll (6) pol.
Skip of Colour 3-1 (10-0) Led until headed 3f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Capital Lass (9-9) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs.
Alcharinga (IRE) 28-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 8th of 12, 8l behind Small Stakes (9-3) at W'hampton 6f mdn aut stk (5) pol in Nov.
Atlantic Viking (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Held up, ridden and headway from over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 12, 2l behind Midmaar (8-13) at Kempton 6f banded stk (7) pol in Dec.
Merdiff 14-1 (8-10) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 13, 14l behind Golden Spectrum (8-7) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Prince of Gold 9-2 (9-1) Held up, never dangerous, 9th of 14, 11l behind Capital Lass (9-1) at Southwell 7f banded stk (7) fbs in Dec.
Rafferty (IRE) 11-10fav (8-12) Chased winner, ridden and every chance from 2f out, not quicken inside final furlong, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Shrine Mountain (9-4) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs in Dec.
Spy Gun (USA) 25-1 (9-0) Led, ridden when headed over 1f out when weakened, 6th of 13, 5l behind Bathwick Emma (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 1f sll (6) pol.
Bold Love 16-1 (9-1) Held up, pulled hard, headway over 2f out, soon one pace, 5th of 11, 10l behind Capital Lass (9-9) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs.
Miss Imperious 5-1 (8-12) Held up behind leaders, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and one pace final 2f, 4th of 11, 5l behind Tackcoat (8-8) at Southwell 1m banded stk (7) fbs in Dec.
Shunkawakhan (IRE) 15-2 (8-4) Tracked leaders, lost place after 1 furlong, kept on again from 1f out, 6th of 12, 5l behind Miracle Ridge (9-2) at W'hampton 6f sll (6) pol.
