tracked leader, ridden to challenge and dispute lead over 2f out, slightly outpaced over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong to take 2nd near line
held up 4th, ridden to lead over 2f out, joined 1f out, rallied and quickened clear inside final furlong
held up in rear, in touch, headway on outer over 2f out, disputed lead 1f out, every chance, not pace of winner inside final furlong
led until headed over 2f out, kept on until weakened and lost 2 places near line
Nonrunner
Trinity Rose takes a long time to get going and should appreciate the return to two miles today having been doing all of his best work late on over 1m6f at Southwell last time so gets the vote ahead of Billich and Mr Excel. The last mentioned has shown improved form to win his last two starts and has to be respected but has yet to prove that he stays this far and is not certain to do so; he may be best watched. Charlie Egerton's Valance does stay but may now be a shade high in the weights, while High Point is only 1lb higher than when scoring over course and distance in August but has twice disappointed back on turf since then. Llamadas is probably best watched on his first start back on the level since June having run below expectations on a recent outing over hurdles. Recent Wolverhampton winner Billich has to be respected off just a 3lb higher mark today but Mark Johnston has his team in good order right now and back over a more suitable trip his runner Trinity Rose looks the one to be on.
Valance (IRE) 9-1 (9-12) Tracked leader, ridden 4f out, hung left from over 2f out, switched right inside final furlong, stayed on to lead last strides, won at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Aug beating Warsaw Pact (9-5) by a nk, 6 ran.
Llamadas 50-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden 4f out, soon lost place and weakened over 2f out, 13th of 16, 14l behind Salute (8-13) at Sandown 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Jun.
High Point (IRE) 100-1 (7-7) Held up in rear, headway 6f out, no impression final 3f, 14th of 31, 13l behind Detroit City (9-1) at Newmarket 2m 2f hcap (2) gs in Oct.
Mr Excel (IRE) 5-1 (8-12) Keen in touch, with leader 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, ran on, won at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs beating William's Way (9-4) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Trinity Rose 4-9fav (9-6) In touch, outpaced 6f out, headway 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 6, 3/4l behind Stolen Light (10-0) at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs.
Billich 9-4 (9-9) Took keen hold, held up, headway 7f out, led 3f out, ridden over 2f out, edged right inside final furlong, driven out, won at W'hampton 2m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol beating Flame Creek (9-6) by a nk, 9 ran.
