led, ridden inside final furlong, headed last 75 yards, kept on
tracked leader until pushed along over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
held up towards rear, effort over 2f out, never dangerous
held up in touch, took keen hold, went 3rd over 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, soon lost place
tracked leaders and keen, went 2nd over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on to lead last 75 yards
held up in rear, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on
held up towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, never dangerous
Though only beating one home, Reasonable Force wasn't beaten far on debut at Musselburgh and should be capable of better. Hi George has been placed in both starts so far and looks ready for this first try over 2m, while Shotavodka won easily at Tramore in the autumn. The latter has changed stable since, however, and also has to defy a penalty here. Don Cantillon has enjoyed a good strike rate in this sphere down the years and unleashes another decent prospect here in THIS IS ME, who is a half-brother to bumper winner Nodform Richard and from the same family as Triumph Hurdle winner Shawiya among others. He can make a winning start to his career as fellow newcomer Vintage Times may need more time.
Shotavodka (IRE) 11-4fav (12-0) Always prominent, led 7f out, soon eased clear, stayed on strongly from 3f out, not extended, impressive, won at Tramore 2m N H flat in Oct beating Garden Valley (11-0) by 19l, 9 ran.
Captain Wilson 14-1 (11-0) In touch, pushed along 6f out, weakened and soon behind, tailed off, 13th of 14, well behind Population (11-2) at Ascot 2m NH flat (6) gd in Nov.
Reasonable Force 5-1 (11-9) Held up in last, pushed along 3f out, headway 2f out, never able to get on terms, 5th of 6, 3 1/2l behind Franks A Million (11-2) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (6) gd in Nov.
Vintage Times (IRE) Croco Rouge gelding out of Rare Vintage.
Rhyming Sky 9-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, pushed along halfway, never a factor, 10th of 11, well behind Buxom (11-5) at Ludlow 2m mares n h flat (5) gs in Dec.
Hi George 11-4fav (10-12) Held up in touch, went 2nd over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 16, 3 1/2l behind Chancery (10-12) at Haydock 1m 5f n h flat 3yo (6) gs in Nov.
Special Mix 13-2 (10-12) Pulled hard, tracked leaders, effort over 3f out, ridden and one pace when not much room and edged left inside final 2f, weakened 1f out, 7th of 9, 13l behind Call Back (10-9) at Newcastle 1m 6f n h flat 3yo (6) gs in Dec.
This Is Me Presenting gelding out of Shayzara.
