steadied start and settled in last, in touch, ridden 2f out, kept on to take 3rd over 1f out, not troubled leading pair
led 1f and set steady pace, stayed tracking winner, no impression over 1f out, one pace
tracked leaders, ridden and lost 3rd over 1f out, soon outpaced
led after 1f, ridden and quickened over 1f out, soon well clear, reminders inside final furlong, pushed out, comfortably
An interesting small field handicap which has a trappy look to it but NEWLYN ART looks to be going the right way and we will side with him to defy a 9lb rise and score, while the other quartet all have claims. The David Elsworth-trained selection is now 19lb higher than when winning a 6f Great Leighs handicap last month, but was good value for a two-and-a-half length success over the same trip here last time and while he is progressing we will stick with him. This trip looks ideal for Sign Of Approval and Karl Burke's colt has made the frame twice over it, the latter coming in a visor. The headgear is left off today and in-form pilot Jim Crowley gets the leg-up, and he is not ruled out. Andean Margin won over this trip at Southwell last month and things have gone pretty well off 10lbs and 13lbs higher marks in two subsequent outings, when he was runner-up. He will be very competitive. Stablemate Joannadarc was a beaten favourite on the Fibresand last time when staying on, and perhaps she will be better when returned to a mile, while Dream Date has found form lately and has gone up just 1lb for going close in a Wolverhampton maiden last time. She too can have her say here, but preference is for Newlyn Art.
Sign of Approval 3-1 (8-12) Held up, keen hold, tracked leader 4f out, led until hung right over 1f out, not recover, last of 3, 4 1/2l behind Sonning Gate (9-5) at Lingfield 7f nov stk (5) pol in Dec.
Andean Margin (IRE) 13-2 (8-13) Led, ridden and clear over 1f out, kept on under pressure, caught final strides, 2nd of 7, hd behind Blaise Tower (9-4) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (5) pol.
Joannadarc (USA) 5-6fav (8-12) Tracked leaders, ridden over 4f out, no impression final 2f, 4th of 9, 4l behind Trueblue Wizard (9-3) at Southwell 7f 2yo mdn (5) fbs in Dec.
Dream Date (IRE) 9-2 (8-9) Chased winner, ridden over 1f out, soon switched left, every chance well inside final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Miss Beat (8-12) at W'hampton 7f 2yo mdn (5) pol in Dec.
Newlyn Art 5-4fav (8-9) Took keen hold, soon pressing leader, riden to lead approaching final furlong, hard ridden and in command when edged left inside final furlong, won at Lingfield 6f 2yo hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec beating Love You Louis (9-0) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
