held up, slow 2nd, headway halfway, weakened after 4 out, pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, led 3 out, challenged next, kept on well
in rear, outpaced 4 out, stayed on from 2 out, never nearer
in touch, chased leaders halfway, every chance 2 out, stayed on same pace
held up, slow 2nd, mistake 4 out, soon beaten
led until 4 out, lost place next, well held in 4th when hit 2 out
prominent, led 4 out, headed next, weakening when pulled up soon after 2 out
chased leaders, lost place after 6th, rallied 4 out, outpaced next, staying on when not fluent last, never a threat
Silva Eclipse beat Coole Cody and Flashjack at Uttoxeter and wasn’t disgraced in a higher grade next time at Sandown but Michael Blake’s stayer comes out best on that trio on today’s terms. Sakhee's City gained a deserved victory at Wetherby last month and is only 4lb higher but BIG SHARK is the one with untapped potential after a couple of wins in minor company. He’ll make a chaser in time but an opening mark of 133 in handicaps looks manageable. The others all have questions to answer at present.
Dell' Arca (IRE) 20-1 (12-0) In touch, effort 4 out, weakened next, 9th of 13, 30l behind Orchardstown Cross (11-5) at Exeter 3m hcp (3) sft in Nov.
Flashjack (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Held up in rear, pushed along to close on inside 3 out, no impression from next, 5th of 6, 4 1/2l behind Silva Eclipse (10-13) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (3) hvy in Nov.
Sakhee's City (FR) 7-2fav (11-8) Held up in rear, steady headway after 4 out, went 3rd going well before 2 out, 2nd run-in, cajoled along to lead towards finish, cleverly, good ride, won at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Nov beating Mount Mews (11-12) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Big Shark (IRE) 6-4fav (11-4) Tracked leader, closed from 7th, led 4 out, not fluent 2 out, clear well before last, easily, won at Hereford 3m 2f (4) sft in Nov beating Mr Muldoon (11-10) by 10l, 3 ran.
Secrete Stream (IRE) 9-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, pushed along before 4 out, lost place after next, behind from 2 out, tailed off, 6th of 7, dist behind Count Simon (11-5) at Perth 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Apr.
Coole Cody (IRE) 11-4fav (11-10) Led, not fluent 7th or 3 out, headed before 2 out, soon outpaced, rallied flat, stayed on, 3rd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Silva Eclipse (10-13) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (3) hvy in Nov.
Closing Ceremony (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened between last 2, 12th of 18, 22 3/4l behind Champers On Ice (11-12) at Newbury 3m hcp (2) gs in Nov.
Silva Eclipse 12-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, driven and lost place approaching 2 out, no impression between last, plugged on into modest 4th flat, 4th of 11, 16 3/4l behind Go Whatever (10-6) at Sandown 2m 7f hcp (2) hvy in Dec.
