Verdict

A modest finale that provides Indian Spark with the ideal opportunity to turn back the clock in this company. African Gift, Kensington and Quantica are others that will not make it easy though and it is likely to be tight on the line. There is also the factor of a couple of Milton Bradley-trained runners taking their chances; with Seven No Trumps looking the pick. He has come an awful long way for the modest prize-money on offer, so is worth noting in the betting. Quantica and Kensington arrive here in good heart and should not be inconvenienced by the going. The same applies to African Gift, who also has to be respected even though he has crept up the weights lately. However, Indian Spark stands out as the best treated horse in the race when old form is taken into account and this game veteran has a sound chance of proving that he is no back number yet.

Formwatch

Four Amigos (USA) 16-1 (8-10) Held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 13, 8l behind Grigorovitch (8-13) at Ayr 5f hcp (4) gd in Sept.

Word Perfect 66-1 (8-10) Switched to race stand's side group, in rear, ridden and hung left from 2f out, never dangerous, 13th of 18, 10l behind Balakiref (8-7) at Ayr 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gs in Sept.

Bold Haze 4-1fav (8-10) In touch, far side, pushed along halfway, ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 16, 7l behind Flying Edge (8-10) at Ripon 6f app hcp (5) gd in Sept.

Seven No Trumps 10-1 (9-1) Raced stand side, chased leaders over 4f, 12th of 15, 9l behind Brigadore (9-4) at Nottingham 6f hcp 45-70 (5) gd in Sept.

Viewforth 12-1 (8-4) Led stand's side group, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 4th of 18, 2 1/2l behind Balakiref (8-7) at Ayr 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gs in Sept.

African Gift 13-2 (8-13) Towards rear, pushed along, outpaced over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, hung left over 1f out, led inside final furlong, kept on, won at Haydock 6f 3yo hcp (5) gd in Aug beating Dancing Deano (8-11) by 3/4l, 16 ran.

Coranglais 17-2 (8-10) Raced stand side, chased leaders, weakening when hampered over 1f out, soon eased, 11th of 15, 8l behind Brigadore (9-4) at Nottingham 6f hcp 45-70 (5) gd in Sept.

George The Best (IRE) 14-1 (8-8) Slowly into stride, always behind, 11th of 12, 15l behind Certain Justice (9-2) at Southwell 6f hcp (5) fbs in Jul.

Indian Spark 9-1 (9-4) Behind, headway over 1f out, kept on well, nearest finish, 3rd of 19, 4 1/2l behind Blue Knight (8-12) at Newcastle 5f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Sept.

Kensington (IRE) 10-1 (8-4) Mid-division, ridden and headway over 1f out, squeezed through entering final furlong, stayed on well, won at Ayr 5f hcp (5) gd in Sept beating La Vie Est Belle (9-1) by 1/2l, 11 ran.

Mister Mal (IRE) 33-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride and behind, never a factor, 11th of 14, 11l behind Jubilee Street (9-4) at Beverley 7f hcp (5) gd in Sept.

California Laws 9-2fav (9-3) Slowly into stride, always outpaced, 15th of 19, 11l behind Blue Knight (8-12) at Newcastle 5f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Sept.

Quantica (IRE) 9-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, no impression, 2nd of 16, 5l behind Stellite (8-10) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-60 (6) sft in Sept.

Blueberry Rhyme 50-1 (8-4) Prominent far side, pushed along halfway, one pace final furlong, 6th of 16, 2 1/2l behind Flying Edge (8-10) at Ripon 6f app hcp (5) gd in Sept.

Musiotal 13-2fav (8-4) Slowly away stands' side, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 9th of 20, 8l behind Azuree (8-5) at Newcastle 6f hcp (6) gf in Sept.

John O'Groats (IRE) 200-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, weakened over 2f out, 10th of 13, 41l behind Ruby Rocket (8-4) at Hamilton 6f stk (2) gd in Sept.

Pays d'Amour (IRE) 300-1 (8-9) Slowly away, always well behind, tailed off, 12th of 13, well behind Ruby Rocket (8-4) at Hamilton 6f stk (2) gd in Sept.

Pinafore 17-2 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 4th of 16, 6l behind Geordie Dancer (8-13) at Carlisle 6f 3yo hcp (6) gf in Sept.