chased leaders to halfway, soon weakened
in touch, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to chase leaders over 1f out, no impression final furlong
behind, kept on from over 1f out, never nearer
prominent, ridden over 2f out, not quicken over 1f out, soon one pace
led 1f, led again just over 3f out to 2f out, kept on under pressure, held
held up towards rear, headway 2f out, stayed on same pace from over 1f out
mid-division until weakened 2f out
prominent, ridden and effort 2f out, no extra and one pace final furlong
prominent, ridden to lead 2f out, ran on, pushed out final furlong
behind, some moderate headway over 1f out, never dangerous
started slowly, always in rear group, never a factor
always towards rear, never on terms
squeezed out start, soon in rear, never a factor
led after 1f, ridden and headed just over 3f out, weakened quickly over 2f out
A wide open handicap with many holding some sort of a chance and Resplendent Nova is given as the selection with Finsbury and Samuel Charles put up as alternatives. Resplendent Nova is not the best handicapped horse in the world but he has a willing attitude, should turn handy and could be worth another chance with his claimer aboard. Finsbury has to be respected despite modest runs of late. The punters have made a habit of steaming in on a regular basis so it will be fascinating to see if they chance their luck again. Samuel Charles returns from a lay-off but should not be discounted on this account. A previous winner at the course, that form should count for plenty. Gifted Gamble is on something of a losing run and has it to prove despite some help from the handicapper. Buy On The Red has demonstrated his better form over six although he shapes as if he should get seven around here. Front-running Surwaki would not be out of this if transferring his ability from the turf and this has to be factored into any betting plans. Purus accounted for Outer Hebrides in June over course-and-distance although his recent runs have been little to write home about. A difficult getting out stakes and Resplendent Nova is given as a tentative selection.
Phluke 33-1 (9-6) Led until headed over 3f out, stayed on same pace, 6th of 18, 5l behind Trimlestown (8-11) at Newmarket 7f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Oct.
Gifted Gamble 7-1 (8-13) Held up, headway over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, nearest finish, 5th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Marajaa (8-10) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-90 (3) pol.
Outer Hebrides 8-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on for over 1f out, never dangerous, 6th of 14, 4l behind Marajaa (8-10) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-90 (3) pol.
Resplendent Nova 5-1 (8-9) Prominent, chased leader 2f out, every chance when pushed left well inside final furlong, not quicken near finish, 2nd of 13, hd behind Bobski (8-12) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Surwaki (USA) 12-1 (9-0) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 11th of 13, 18l behind Wigwam Willie (9-1) at Ayr 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Sept.
Buy On The Red 11-1 (8-11) Mid-division, headway on inside to chase leaders entering final furlong, no extra final 100 yards, 7th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Bobski (8-12) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Bomber Command (USA) 10-1 (8-10) Mid-division, ridden when hampered and snatched up over 2f out, headway over 1f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, finished well, 4th of 13, 1l behind Bobski (8-12) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Bee Stinger 8-1 (8-10) Tracked leaders, ridden and effort over 1f out, soon squeezed out, not recover, 10th of 14, 8l behind Marajaa (8-10) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-90 (3) pol.
