pressed leader, led 2f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, not pace of winner
led until headed 2f out, soon weakened and eased just over 1f out
took keen hold behind, stayed on same pace final 2f, never nearer
held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to lead inside final furlong, driven out
mid-division, ridden along over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
towards rear, headway to chase leaders 2f out, soon one pace, ran on again final half furlong not reach leaders
held up in rear, kept on from over 1f out, never dangerous
held up mid-division, headway inside final 2f, kept on, not reach leaders
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression and outpaced over 1f out
prominent until weakened inside final 2f
held up towards rear, headway 2f out to chase leaders, not pace to challenge and stayed on same pace
started slowly, raced wide behind, in touch halfway, weakened over 2f out
Middle Eastern can reverse last week's form with Musical Script; while Feelin Irie and Danish Blues are also respected with their claims. Danish Blues was raised 5lb for a course and distance win last month and can be expected to run his race. However, he has struggled off this sort of mark in the past and needs to pull something out of the hat to figure when it really matters. Similar comments apply to Feelin Irie, who has been expensive to follow since he won a maiden auction at Musselburgh last September. Still, the recent switch to Jim Boyle's yard may spark a revival in his interest and he is one to keep tabs on as he adjusts to his new environment. Musical Script will be popular after he came good at Wolverhampton eight days ago. James Millman's 7lb negates his penalty and, granted a clear run, the top weight will be hard to keep out of the frame. However, Middle Eastern has shown real signs of a return to form of late and this looks to be a fair opening for the four-year-old to kick-start Paul Blockley's quest for All Weather trainer's title once more.
Musical Script (USA) 11-2 (9-1) Led early, chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, ran on to lead towards finish, won at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Oct beating Bond Playboy (8-13) by a nk, 13 ran.
Feelin Irie (IRE) 11-2 (9-2) Led, ridden over 2f, staying on until headed inside final furlong, no extra close home, 3rd of 15, 2l behind Jaassey (8-12) at Beverley 7f 3yo clm (5) gs in Aug.
Danish Blues (IRE) 9-2 (9-0) Took keen hold, held up mid-division, headway to lead over 1f out, ridden clear, easily, won at Kempton 6f mdn clm (7) pol in Oct beating Balian (8-11) by 7l, 12 ran.
Mina 15-2 (9-0) Mid-division, driven and stayed on under pressure final 2f, 5th of 14, 4l behind Fateful Attraction (8-12) at Kempton 7f hcap (6) pol.
Middle Eastern 3-1fav (9-3) Chased leaders, not clear run and switched left over 1f out, soon ridden, not quicken towards finish, 3rd of 13, 1l behind Musical Script (9-1) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Oct.
Mister Incredible 12-1 (9-1) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on, never troubled leaders, 7th of 13, 3l behind Musical Script (9-1) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Oct.
Polar Force 8-1 (9-2) Led, ridden over 1f out, headed last strides, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Desert Opal (8-11) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Turibius 14-1 (9-1) Held up, headway and switched right over 1f out, ridden and ran on to lead inside final furlong, won at Brighton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gs in Sept beating Indian Lady (8-11) by a nk, 15 ran.
