led, headed before 2nd, led again before 4th, headed before last, weakened run-in
close up, weakened after 3 out
chased leaders, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out
held up mid-division, headway before 3 out, challenged 2 out, led before last, kept on well
always behind
always towards rear
close up, led before 2nd, headed before 4th, weakened after 3 out, pulled up
held up towards rear, headway before 3 out, kept on run-in
held up towards rear, headway before 2 out, stayed on towards finish
always behind
held up mid-division, ridden before 2 out, no impression
held up mid-division, headway after 3 out, stayed on towards finish
held up mid-division, weakened after 3 out
Zaidiyn appears to have the beating of Drunken Counsel on a line through Ebony Express, who runs earlier on the card. Notnowsam beat Master Clockmaker by seven lengths over course and distance last month but the latter was making his hurdling debut that day and there may not be much between the pair on today's revised terms. Konig Dax has his first start in the country but should win races in time and Future Security was third here 11 days ago, ahead of Typhon and Danehill Flyer, though shapes as though he needs further. Argot has scope but John Ferguson rarely wastes a trip to this track and BUCKWHEAT (NAP) is his only runner today. The yard is in great form and this son of Manduro was contesting group races on the Flat in Dubai around this time last year so might have too much for these if taking to the winter game - the booking of A P McCoy is a positive.
Drunken Counsel (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Led and soon 10 lengths clear, reduced lead 3 out, ridden and headed next, soon weakened, 3rd of 6, 20l behind Ebony Express (11-5) at Carlisle 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
Konig Dax (GER) (10-5) won at Saint Malo(FR) 2m 4yo hdl sft in May beating Douvan (10-5) by 5l, 12 ran.
Zaidiyn (FR) 6-4fav (11-5) Chased leaders, went 2nd on long run after last (normal 3 out), no chance with winner bypassing 2 out, lost 2nd final 75 yards, 3rd of 11, 10l behind Ebony Express (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Nov.
Buckwheat 16-1 (9-0) Held up in last pair, driven over 2f out, soon ridden and no impression, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 9, 27l behind Gatewood (9-0) at Ascot 1m 4f Listed stks (1) gs in May (flat).
Cavalieri (IRE) 40-1 (11-3) Always towards rear, 6th of 13, 34l behind Mantou (10-7) at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Danehill Flyer (IRE) 33-1 (11-3) Led, headed before 2 out, soon weakened, 8th of 14, 49l behind Frederic (10-7) at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Fama Mac 250-1 (11-6) Took keen hold, always towards rear, pulled up, in a race won by Mantou (10-7) at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec, 13 ran.
Future Security (IRE) 8-1 (11-6) Held up in touch, led before 2 out, headed 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 14, 12l behind Frederic (10-7) at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Sweeping Rock (IRE) 14-1 (8-10) In touch in 5th, ridden inside final furlong, one pace, 6th of 11, 8l behind Kelamita (8-12) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp 0-70 (5) in Oct (flat).
Typhon (USA) 25-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, effort before 2 out, never dangerous, 7th of 14, 45l behind Frederic (10-7) at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Notnowsam 4-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway and in touch 4th, ridden after 2 out, stayed on to lead after last, ran on flat, won at Catterick 2m 3yo hdl (4) gs in Dec beating Master Clockmaker (10-12) by 7l, 14 ran.
Argot 25-1 (10-12) Close up, ridden 2 out, kept on one pace, 4th of 11, 6l behind Seamour (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f 3yo hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Master Clockmaker (IRE) 40-1 (10-12) Raced keenly, tracked leaders, led 3rd, ridden after 2 out, headed after last, no extra flat, 2nd of 14, 7l behind Notnowsam (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3yo hdl (4) gs in Dec.
