slowly into stride, soon outpaced, went modest 4th 3f out
pressed winner over 2f, soon ridden, stayed on same pace final furlong, retook 2nd post
made virtually all, ridden over 1f out, clear final furlong, stayed on well
chased leaders, ridden to chase winner 2f out, no impression, lost 2nd post
A notably modest turnout and MASTER LEON is taken to see off the challenges of Tamarind Hill and Boy The Bell. On the face of it, finishing second to a 100/1 outsider on his previous start does not read well but that winner has gone on to acquit himself well in better grade and with our selection having placed on his last two visits to Southwell, we have few issues in relation to the going. Tamarind Hill has been consistent in plating grade. With Alan McCabe¿s horses in a purple patch at present, it would be folly to discount him out of hand. Boy The Bell is unexposed. He kept on well at this course in December and with the track riding slowly at present, his stamina could well be brought into play. Future Regime appears the pick of the Pat Morris pair though he has plenty to do on the formbook. Hold The Star went close to breaking her maiden with Ed Vaughan though has shown nothing for these connections and ran lamentably at Southwell last time out. Master Leon has to be the call in the opener.
Hold The Star 40-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, ridden and effort 2f out, kept on same pace, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 7, 9l behind Ambrogina (8-8) at Southwell 6f mdn fll (5) fbs.
Boy The Bell 7-1 (9-3) Tracked leading pair, ridden over 2f out, driven and stayed on to take 2nd well inside final furlong, 2nd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Esuvia (8-12) at Southwell 6f 2yo mdn auc stks (6) fbs in Dec.
Master Leon 11-4 (9-3) Slowly away, soon led, quickened over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, not run on, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Sweet Child O'mine (8-12) at Southwell 1m 2yo mdn stks (5) fbs in Dec.
Tamarind Hill (IRE) 13-2 (8-1) Close up on outside, ridden and headway 2f out, led 1f out, kept on until headed, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Anjomarba (8-3) at Southwell 6f 3yo clm stks (6) fbs.
Future Regime (IRE) 25-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, in rear, hung left and kept on from over 1f out, never dangerous, 5th of 9, 7l behind Clifton Bridge (9-3) at Wolverhampton 5f 2yo mdn stks (5) pol in Dec.
Goodison Goal (IRE) 14-1 (8-12) 3rd of 10, 1 3/4l behind Miami Gator (9-5) at Lingfield 7f Handicap in Dec.