tracked sole rival, led on bit 2f out, always in command after, unextended
dwelt, soon led sole rival, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on but always held, flattered by proximity to easy winner
Nonrunner
Conducting is weighted to beat both Aureate and Bix, but this looks a match between a couple of prolific all-weather winners. La Estrella will equal the record of 25 wins on the all-weather if he lands this but STAND GUARD looks set to spoil the party. The latter is not far off equalling the record himself having already notched up 23 victories and collateral form with Reve De Nuit suggests this will be a real battle for the line. But John Butler's charge likes to come from off the pace and may just edge it with the race run more to his liking, thereby joining La Estrella on 24 wins apiece.
Stand Guard 6-4 (9-11) Tracked winner, challenged 2f out, led over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong, stayed on, won at Wolverhampton 1m 4f clm stks (5) pol beating Kiama Bay (9-8) by hd, 3 ran.
Bix (IRE) 100-1 (9-3) Slowly away, in rear, tailed off over 3f out, last of 4, 43l behind Jakkalberry (9-11) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f cnd stks (4yo+) (2) pol.
La Estrella (USA) 4-7fav (9-10) Made virtually all, driven 2 lengths clear over 2f out, ridden and joined when edged right inside final furlong, stayed on gamely towards finish, won at Lingfield 2m clm stks (6) pol beating While You Wait (9-7) by nk, 4 ran.
Aureate 12-1 (8-7) Mid-division, ridden 4f out, never nearer, 6th of 13, 13l behind Auden (9-10) at Southwell 1m 3f (6) fbs in Dec.
Conducting 8-1 (9-4) In touch, lost place over 4f out, headway 2f out, ridden and kept on one pace final furlong, 5th of 10, 2l behind Copperwood (9-9) at Lingfield 1m 2f sell stks (6) pol in Dec.
