Mystic Man gets the narrow vote here with Steel Blue and Desert Dreamer put forward as the most likely dangers. The selection was a narrow winner at Wolverhampton last time when beating Glad Big. That form looks solid in the context of this race, he has proven form on this track and despite rising in the weights he is taken to score. Steel Blue is the one we fear the most on his best form but he usually takes a couple of runs to be seen at his best and he may be best watched today. Desert Dreamer is game and consistent and is sure to run his race and with the booking of Seb Sanders a big positive he is worth noting in the market. However, he may be weighted up to his best at present. Councellor was a fair fourth behind Byron Bay last time and looks sure to be suited by the return to this shorter distance, but he is another that looks to be in the grip of the handicapper. It will be a surprise if any of the others are good enough to make the frame and for the winner we will stick with Mystic Man.
Lord of The East 13-2 (9-1) Led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 7th of 11, 5l behind Mandarin Spirit (8-10) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Acomb 25-1 (9-1) Started slowly, took keen hold, soon tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, not quicken and weakened over 1f out, 9th of 10, 8l behind Quantum Leap (8-6) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Desert Dreamer (IRE) 4-1 (9-0) Held up, smooth headway to track leading pair 2f out, ran on to take 2nd towards finish, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Steel Blue (9-0) at Epsom 7f stk 0-80 (4) gs in Oct.
Steel Blue 16-1 (8-10) Chased leaders far side, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 7th of 22, 16l behind Cardinal Venture (8-10) at Doncaster 7f app hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Councellor (FR) 9-4fav (8-12) Held up in touch, ridden well over 1f out, one pace, 4th of 11, 4l behind Byron Bay (9-0) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Go Mo (IRE) 11-1 (8-9) Slowly into stride, in rear, soon pushed along, kept on inside final furlong, never nearer, 6th of 12, 3 1/2l behind Fromsong (8-10) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-95 (4) pol in Oct.
Mystic Man (FR) 9-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, ridden to lead 1f out, just held on, won at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol beating Glad Big (9-2) by a nk, 12 ran.
