tracked leaders, challenged over 3f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace final 2f, no impression
in touch, carried left over 5f out, soon lost place, weakened and eased over 2f out
held up mid-division, headway when checked over 5f out, led 3f out, ridden clear when edged right over 1f out eased near finish, easily
soon led, headed over 3f out, soon outpaced, weakened over 1f out
behind, outpaced 3f out, kept on under pressure final 2f, no impression
in touch on inside, edged left over 5f out, headway to lead briefly over 5f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, no chance with winner
tracked leader, lost place over 3f out, soon ridden and outpaced, no impression final 2f
held up, outapced 3f out, never dangerous
held up in rear, outpaced 3f out, never dangerous
Highland Legacy, Dr Sharp and Thewhirlingdervish are the three that catch the eye here, with Highland Legacy taken to continue the winning form he displayed in similar conditions at the end of last season. Third in the Cesarewitch two years ago, Dr Sharp won next time at the same venue but has been winless since despite some good efforts in defeat in some top handicaps. He is now two pounds lower than his last win, but is one of a handful of runners whose stamina is unquestioned. He may need a run or two to be seen to best effect, but with rain forecast, Dr Sharp, the only course winner in the field, can run well at a nice price. Thewhirlingdervish is another proven stayer, and at ten years of age his best years may be behind him. However, he won twice last season and was placed in three of his other six starts, including a fine effort to be runner up over this course and distance. He will have come on for his Catterick re-appearance but may just have to slip down the handicap a little to resume winning ways. Six years his junior, Highland Legacy won three times last season, but really came into his own when stepped up to this trip. He raced over it twice, and won emphatically on both occasions. He looks capable of further improvement and can handle a nine pound rise in the ratings. His trainer has had four winners this month, and Highland Legacy can make it another.
Sphinx (FR) 9-1 (9-13) Keen in touch, ridden 4f out, weakened entering final 3f, eased over 1f out, last of 5, 15l behind Highland Legacy (8-6) at Nottingham 2m hcp 0-95 (3) sft in Oct.
Philanthropy 16-1 (8-3) Led after 1f, headed 3f out, soon beaten, last of 21, 48l behind Malt Or Mash (8-10) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcap (2) gf in Nov.
Highland Legacy 13-8 (8-6) Tracked leader, joined leader 6f out, led 3f out, ridden and hung right when clear over 1f out, readily, won at Nottingham 2m hcp 0-95 (3) sft in Oct beating Market Forces (9-7) by 3l, 5 ran.
Oddsmaker (IRE) 20-1 (8-11) Tracked leader, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Mia's Boy (8-7) at Doncaster 1m hcp 0-90 (3) gs in Mar.
Numero Due 33-1 (9-0) SlowLY into stride, held up towards rear, lost touch over 3f out, last of 6, 28l behind Championship Point (9-0) at Ripon 1m 2f stk (3) gs.
Bogside Theatre (IRE) 33-1 (8-6) Held up in touch, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 7, 7l behind Gull Wing (8-6) at Nottingham 1m 6f lst stk (1) sft.
Dr Sharp (IRE) 7-2 (8-13) Led, ridden over 4f out, headed over 3f out, soon beaten, 6th of 7, 16l behind Inchnadamph (9-0) at Doncaster 2m hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Nov.
Thewhirlingdervish (IRE) 14-1 (9-4) Always rear division, 6th of 9, 16l behind Puy d'Arnac (8-8) at Catterick 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Sadler's Kingdom (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (9-5) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f, 6th of 12, 7l behind Flame Creek (7-13) at Newbury 2m hcp 0-85 (4) sft.
Winged d'Argent (IRE) 14-1 (9-6) Tracked leaders, ridden to challenge from 3f out, kept on, always held by winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Flame Creek (7-13) at Newbury 2m hcp 0-85 (4) sft.
