reluctant to race, always well behind, tailed off
took keen hold, tracked leaders, not clear run from over 1f out, still not clear run, lost place inside final furlong, no chance
set moderate gallop, shaken up, headed inside final furlong, faded
mid-division, headway over 5f out, ridden, edged left over 1f out, soon every chance, one pace well inside final furlong
took keen hold in mid-division, switched right, headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on
held up towards rear, came wide entering straight, headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong
always prominent, ridden, every chance entering final furlong, not quicken towards finish
chased leader, every chance, edged left 1f out, one pace
held up towards rear, not clear run over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, nearest finish
slowly into stride, held up towards rear, never dangerous
held up towards rear, headway 6f out, ridden 3f out, weakened final furlong
mid-division, weakened well over 1f out
Norwegian can expand on his recent haul, while Mademoiselle and Volaticus deserve a change of fortune and will give the selection plenty to think about if they run their usual races. Machinate could also be a threat at this level and is worth noting for signs of each-way support. Volaticus started his career with David Nicholls before spending a couple of seasons racing in Spain. Now back in the Yorkshire area with Alan Brown, the gelding seems to be finding his feet and a bold bid looks to be in the offering. Mademoiselle keeps trying and, as her recent statistics bear weight, she has very little to find to make the frame. However, as he has now been placed five times since the start of January, her will to win has to be called into question. So we jump ship to Norwegian today. The Ian Williams-trained six-year-old is consistent at this level and, as he knows what to do when he hits the front, Norwegian appears to be the most reliable option here.
Volaticus (IRE) 9-2 (9-1) Behind, headway over 2f out, edged right over 1f out, hung left under pressure inside final furlong, stayed on strongly, not reached winner, 2nd of 13, shd behind Mister Incredible (8-9) at Southwell 7f sll (6) fbs.
Mister Benji 4-1jt-fav (8-10) Led early, chased leaders, led well over 1f out, driven out, won at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol beating Cabourg (8-11) by a nk, 12 ran.
Mademoiselle 14-1 (8-3) Chased leaders, kept on to go 2nd inside final furlong, not trouble winner, 2nd of 13, 2l behind Dudley Docker (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 1f clm (6) pol.
Our Kes (IRE) 15-2 (8-4) Slowly into stride, took keen hold, held up and behind, headway 1f out, never near leaders, 5th of 10, 4 1/2l behind Lii Najma (8-12) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Hits Only Cash 7-1 (8-12) Behind, came widest over 2f out, headway final furlong, never nearer, 5th of 12, 4l behind Mister Benji (8-10) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Norwegian 7-4fav (9-5) In touch and always going well, led over 1f out, ridden final furlong, kept on, won at W'hampton 1m 1f sll (6) pol beating Rose Muwasim (8-8) by 3/4l, 12 ran.
Freda's Choice (IRE) 14-1 (8-2) Mid-division, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 12, 9l behind Picador (8-13) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Jan.
Machinate (USA) 15-2 (8-9) Mid-division, good headway over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, unable to quicken, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Postmaster (8-8) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
