prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
in touch, outpaced halfway, went 4th over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, weakened last 100 yards
chased leader, challenged over 2f out, led narrowly over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
chased leaders in 3rd, weakened 2f out
dwelt, soon chased leaders in 4th, went 3rd over 2f out, led inside final furlong, kept on well
always towards rear
dwelt, towards rear, headway over 1f out, soon ridden, kept on same pace inside final furlong
led, pressed over 2f out, headed narrowly over 1f out, reagained lead inside final furlong, soon headed, kept on and held near finish
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, faded inside final furlong
Half A Billion won a three-year-old handicap on this card a year ago on testing ground and is only 4lb higher so with his rider claiming 5lb he's well enough treated. The veteran Tajneed rolled back the years on soft ground at Newcastle last time and is still well up to this standard while stablemate Indego Blues won't mind the conditions and found 7f taxing his stamina last time. KHELMAN is the only three-year-old in the line-up but looks the one to be on after a very good run at Ayr. His only success to date has come on fast going but he's run well in these conditions and is well enough handicapped. Captain Royale often pops up when least expected and it would be no shock if her were to gain his tenth career success.
Tajneed (IRE) 5-1 (9-4) Made all, joined 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on gamely final furlong, won at Newcastle 6f hcp 0-75 (5) sft beating Lucky Lodge (8-10) by 2 1/2l, 9 ran.
Indego Blues 12-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, ridden and came centre over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 5th of 14, 3l behind Showboating (9-4) at Catterick 7f hcp 0-80 (4) hvy.
Holy Angel (IRE) 11-2 (9-9) Slowly into stride and switched left start, held up, headway on inner halfway, chased leaders over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 1 1/2l behind Oldjoesaid (9-2) at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Sep.
Sunrise Dance 20-1 (8-3) Tracked leaders, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 14, 13l behind Dancheur (8-6) at Hamilton 6f flls hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Sep.
Just The Tonic 14-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, effort over 1f out, one pace, 9th of 16, 4l behind Barkston Ash (9-5) at Hamilton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Sep.
Khelman (IRE) 4-1 (9-1) Reluctant to load in stalls, in touch, pushed along before halfway, headway under pressure over 1f out, strong run inside final furlong, went 2nd close home, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 1 1/4l behind Compton Heights (8-10) at Ayr 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Chellalla 100-1 (9-10) Held up in rear, took keen hold, weakened from 3f out, last of 12, 38l behind Multi Bene (9-10) at Haydock 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Sep.
Captain Royale (IRE) 25-1 (9-1) Steadied and awkward leaving stalls, held up headway 3f out, pushed along chasing leaders over 2f out, no impression and lost 3rd inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 4l behind Keep It Dark (8-10) at Newcastle 6f hcp 0-75 (5) sft.
Captain Scooby 6-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden halfway, soon weakened, 8th of 12, 6l behind Rambo Will (9-1) at Windsor 5f hcp 0-70 (5) hvy.
Half A Billion (IRE) 25-1 (9-1) Mid-division, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, no impression, 4th of 12, 5l behind Shafaani (9-6) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
