held up and behind, going well 2f out, headway over 1f out, pushed along inside final furlong, ran on well to lead final 100 yards, readily
slow into stride, soon held up in mid-division, came wide into straight, headway when ridden and hung left well over 1f out, ridden and ran on inside final furlong
awkward leaving stalls, held up and always behind
chased leaders, ridden and slightly outpaced when not clearest of runs over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong
soon led, took keen hold, edged right over 1f out, not quicken and headed final 100n yards, no impression when lost 2nd towards finish
chased leader, ridden 2f out, weakened over 1f out
slow into stride, soon chasing leaders on outside, ridden when hampered well over 1f out, no danger after, eased inside final furlong
went right start, soon switched left to inside, held up in rear, good headway on inside over 1f out, ran on inside final f, went 2nd towards finish, not reach winner
chased leaders, pushed along 3f out, ridden to dispute 2nd over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
Bryan Smart has his string in good form and we will put forward NICKEL SILVER as the pick; the list of dangers is headed by Matsunosuke and Earlsmedic. Nickel Silver chased home Rebel Duke at Southwell on New Year's Day, but that was a good effort and he still looks capable of scoring off his current mark. The fact that he has course and distance form and the yard are firing in plenty of winners is another plus. Matsunosuke looks the main danger and this course and distance scorer does have the benefit of a positive draw. He ran well on his return from a break last time and he is entitled to be a bit sharper here so he should go well. Earlsmedic hails from a shrewd yard and he could be of interest if he is allowed an uncontested lead. Ebraam did not see out at the trip over 7f at Lingfield last time so that run can be forgiven and he had previously been in good form. An open event and the vote goes the way of Nickel Silver who can strike gold.
Matsunosuke 18-1 (9-5) Held up, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 3/4l behind Imprimis Tagula (8-3) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Dec.
Ebraam (USA) 12-1 (9-3) Mid-division, hard driven halfway, weakening when hampered inside final furlong, 10th of 13, 5l behind Elna Bright (8-8) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-100 (2) pol.
Hoh Hoh Hoh 12-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders stands' side, ridden and outpaced 2f out, weakening when hampered and eased inside final furlong, last of 14, 12l behind Green Manalishi (8-9) at Haydock 5f hcp 0-100 (2) gf in Sep.
Earlsmedic 13-2 (8-13) In lead over 3f out, headed well over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong, 6th of 9, 2 1/4l behind Tourist (8-8) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-95 (3) pol.
Nickel Silver 9-2 (9-1) With leader, ridden and effort over 1f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, not pace of winner, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Rebel Duke (8-8) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-100 (2) fbs.
Glamorous Spirit (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) Made all, ridden and came towards centre over 1f out, driven inside final furlong, always holding rivals, won at Lingfield 5f clm stks (6) pol in Dec beating Ebraam (8-12) by nk, 6 ran.
Peak District (IRE) 8-1 (9-4) Dropped in from wide draw, headway and switched right 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, not trouble front pair, 3rd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Rocket Rob (8-13) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Ivory Silk 15-2 (9-4) Towards rear, outpaced 2f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on, never nearer, 6th of 12, 2l behind Daddy's Gift (9-2) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Dec.
Canadian Danehill (IRE) 20-1 (9-4) Held up, ridden over 1f out, never dangerous, 6th of 9, 4l behind Rocket Rob (8-13) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
