Bering Upsun has never won and looks high enough in the weights, even in this poor contest. Bill D'aron hasn't run since May 2016 and makes his handicap debut but OUR LUCAS (NAP), who hadn't shown much in Ireland, belied his 33/1 SP with a cracking effort here last month where he made the short-priced Charmant pull out the stops. That was his first start for a year and a similar effort should see him go one better. The Lady Rules has been running reasonably well in similar company and can get into the frame but Christmas in Usa is 0-21 and has plenty to do. Cadore is the only course and distance winner though he hasn't won for three years.
Bering Upsun 7-2fav (11-11) Chased leaders, under pressure approaching 3 out, soon lost place, 8th of 15, 37 3/4l behind Morning With Ivan (10-13) at Newcastle 2m hcp (5) sft in Dec.
Side Of The Road (IRE) 20-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, headway to chase leaders 4th, weakened before 3 out, 6th of 8, 11 3/4l behind Beyondtemptation (10-12) at Newcastle 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Bill D'Aron (FR) 50-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, close up 4 out, outpaced before 2 out, stayed on to chase clear pair when mistake last, just held on for modest 3rd flat, 3rd of 8, 15l behind Officer Hoolihan (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 3f (4) gd in May.
Our Lucas (IRE) 33-1 (10-8) Towards rear, headway before 2 out, kept on, 2nd of 8, 5l behind Charmant (11-12) at Ayr 2m hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
The Lady Rules 25-1 (10-11) In touch, ridden 3 out, no impression, left in 3rd at last, 3rd of 15, 12 1/4l behind Morning With Ivan (10-13) at Newcastle 2m hcp (5) sft in Dec.
Christmas In Usa (FR) 11-2 (10-11) Mid-division, headway 2 out, left in modest 4th at last, 4th of 15, 20 1/4l behind Morning With Ivan (10-13) at Newcastle 2m hcp (5) sft in Dec.
Instingtive (IRE) 33-1 (10-2) Held up towards rear, weakened from 3 out, last of 12, dist behind Trongate (11-2) at Ayr 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Cadore (IRE) 17-2 (10-4) Held up towards rear, pushed along in 7th after 9th, one pace and held 3 out, 7th of 10, 14 3/4l behind Fraser Canyon (11-6) at Musselburgh 3m hcp (4) gd in Dec.
