held up in touch, effort over 1f out, weakened final furlong
very slowly away, in rear, headway over 1f out, stayed on, never troubled leaders
close up, led 1f out, soon ridden, kept on
in touch, one pace from over 1f out
led, headed 1f out, kept on same pace
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, no headway
mid-division, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, weakened 2f out
An interesting little handicap where we will take a chance on BARRALAND to see off the challenge of Artsu and Invincible Lad. The selection's last two wins have come from higher marks than today's, so there is no doubt that he has the ability to get closely involved. Jim Goldie gave him a pipe opener at Musselburgh earlier in the month and that should have blown off the cobwebs. Trip and ground are ideal for him and he can take advantage of the weight he receives from all his opponents. Artsu was runner-up at Pontefract last time but before getting carried away with the form, that was a stiff 5f and he has never won over shorter than 6f. He would prefer some rain to be seen to best effect and he is passed up for today. Invincible Lad looks a better proposition. He shoulders top weight as a result of some consistent form that has seen him land three of his last five starts. However he is 2lbs higher than when beaten last time and though he can go close we will take him on. Those intending to have an interest on Le Toreador need to forgive him a disappointing run at York last week, but if recapturing his best he has conditions to suit and can be a major player. Tadalavil looks in the grip of the handicapper for the moment and Barraland is the suggestion here.
Invincible Lad (IRE) 5-4fav (9-11) Held up on outside, good headway 2f out, driven and ran on inside final furlong, finished well, 3rd of 11, 1/2l behind Blue Jack (9-8) at Sandown 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Stolt (IRE) 66-1 (8-2) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, soon weakened, 11th of 15, 4l behind Pavershooz (7-13) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 105 (2) gd.
Le Toreador 9-1 (9-7) Prominent, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 12th of 13, 9l behind Equuleus Pictor (9-7) at York 5f hcp 0-90 (3) gs.
Steelcut 16-1 (9-7) Mid-division, headway over 1f out, driven, one pace final furlong, 5th of 13, 2l behind Equuleus Pictor (9-7) at York 5f hcp 0-90 (3) gs.
Nickel Silver 18-1 (7-12) Chased leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, one pace, 7th of 15, 2 1/4l behind Pavershooz (7-13) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 105 (2) gd.
Green Park (IRE) 20-1 (9-7) Mid-division, stayed on from over 1f out, 4th of 19, 4l behind Dancing Maite (9-6) at York 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gd.
Tadalavil 10-1 (8-10) Switched right soon after start towards downside, ridden well over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Mullein (9-5) at Warwick 6f hcap (4) sft in Oct.
Artsu 11-1 (9-6) Mid-division on outer, headway 2f out, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 15, 1 3/4l behind Mr Wolf (9-2) at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Barraland 16-1 (8-13) Always towards rear, 11th of 12, 11l behind Blue Tomato (9-5) at Musselburgh 5f hcp 105 (3) gd.