led, ridden over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on
tracked leaders in 3rd, pushed along over 4f out, lost place over 3f out, eased over 2f out
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
in touch, took keen hold, went 2nd 2f out, kept on same pace
held up in rear and in touch, hung left and headway over 2f out, soon ridden, went 2nd over 1f out, led inside final furlong, driven out
Merchant Of Dubai won this last year and cannot be easily dismissed on his first start for Jim Goldie after nearly a year off. His stablemate Nanton also has genuine claims judged on November's fourth at Kempton when the runner-up was last week's Winter Derby hero Nideem. Cracking Lass and Moyenne Corniche have a bit to find at the weights and Prompter ended last season with a sixth over C&D three lengths behind today's rival TIMES UP. John Dunlop's consistent gelding was better than ever last year and if he runs up to his best form on his reappearance, he looks the one to beat.
Moyenne Corniche 8-1 (9-10) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed over 1 1/2f out, close 3rd 1f out, kept on final furlong, no extra close home (weighed in light), in a race won by Denny Crane (8-9) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp pol in Dec, 14 ran.
Nanton (USA) 28-1 (9-6) In rear, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, not reach leaders, 4th of 12, 2 3/4l behind Cheetah (8-9) at Kempton 1m 4f Listed stks (1) pol in Nov.
Times Up 14-1 (8-13) Mid-division, headway 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, won at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp (2) gs in Nov beating The Betchworth Kid (8-6) by 1 3/4l, 22 ran.
Prompter 16-1 (8-13) In touch, ridden and effort 2f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, no impression, 6th of 22, 3 1/2l behind Times Up (8-13) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp (2) gs in Nov.
Cracking Lass (IRE) 25-1 (8-4) Mid-division on outside, lost place 2f out, soon weakened, 20th of 22, 30l behind Times Up (8-13) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp (2) gs in Nov.
Merchant Of Dubai 15-8 (9-2) Chased leader in close 2nd, ridden along entering straight, strongly pressed winner 1f out, no impression on winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 3l behind Roses For The Lady (8-12) at Navan 1m 5f Listed stks gf in Apr '10.