A poor maiden and NORTH SOUTH DIVIDE, a maiden after 16 attempts can belatedly open his account at the main expense of Maid Of Alisa and Monte Cassino. North South Divide has bumped into some decent sorts along the way in both maiden and handicap company and placed efforts off marks in the 70s during the summer indicates the level to which he is capable of running. His form does seem to have taken a slight dip in recent months but five furlongs on polytrack should suit him and this maiden looks his for the taking. Maid Of Alisa was one place behind North South Divide on her second start and given her lightly raced profile she remains open to some improvement. She didn't seem to face the kick back at Southwell on her last start and this surface will be more to her liking. Monte Cassino was a never nearer third at Southwell last time and long standing maiden will need to improve but has place claims. Celtic Spring was beaten in selling company last time by a 55-rated rival. A poor quality maiden and North South Divide is given the nod.
Billy Hot Rocks (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) Took keen hold, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, no headway, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 14, 7l behind Balata (9-3) at Kempton 7f mdn aut stk (5) pol.
Gioacchino (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Held up mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 6th of 15, 5l behind Conjecture (9-3) at Brighton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Sept.
Monte Cassino (IRE) 11-2 (9-3) Soon ridden and outpaced, stayed on final furlong, never nearer, 3rd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Admiral Bond (9-0) at Southwell 5f mdn stk (5) fbs.
North South Divide (IRE) 11-2 (8-10) Held up behind leaders, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 6l behind Spic 'n Span (8-12) at Southwell 5f mdn stk (5) fbs.
Prix Masque (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Mid-division, ridden and outpaced 2f out, soon weakened, 9th of 14, 11l behind Balata (9-3) at Kempton 7f mdn aut stk (5) pol.
Celtic Spring (IRE) 5-1co-fav (8-2) Tracked leaders, pressed winner final furlong, every chance, outbattled near finish, 2nd of 12, shd behind Connor's Choice (9-0) at Lingfield 6f 3yo sll (6) pol in Oct.
Maid of Ailsa (USA) 2-1 (8-12) Mid-division, soon outpaced and ridden along, effort over 2f, no impression, 6th of 10, 12l behind Spic 'n Span (8-12) at Southwell 5f mdn stk (5) fbs.
Only Hope 150-1 (8-10) Slowly into stride, always in rear, 10th of 11, well behind Drumfire (9-1) at Newmarket 1m 2f stk (2) gs in Aug.
Wicksy Creek 33-1 (8-1) Towards rear, ridden 3f out, never dangerous, 9th of 13, 13l behind Mr Funshine (8-4) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs in Jul.
