Ortac Rock has the highest official rating of these and was only beaten a length in this grade at Windsor last week having gone even closer at Wolverhampton earlier. Peak Storm is back in the right grade having been found wanting in a handicap at Beverley last time and must have decent claims but Hidden Talent's third at Redcar also puts him in the picture. EVER FORTUNE has been generally racing over further but one of his two victories last year were over this trip and he's suited by soft going. If forgiven a poor recent run here, he looks the pick of the weights.
Peak Storm 10-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden to challenge well over 1f out, soon weakened, 8th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Sardanapalus (9-1) at Beverley 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Sep.
Ortac Rock (IRE) 11-4fav (8-10) Mid-division, soon outpaced, headway under pressure over 1f out, ran on to go 2nd closing stages, never reached winner, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Commanche (9-2) at Windsor 6f clm stks (6) hvy.
Ever Fortune (USA) 16-1 (9-10) In touch, ridden 3f out, not much room over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 14, 23l behind Ty Gwr (9-7) at Leicester 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) sft.
Hidden Talent 25-1 (9-3) Chased leaders near side, ridden along halfway, kept on under pressure into 2nd inside final furlong, no impression on winner, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 13, 3l behind Beckermet (9-5) at Redcar 7f hcp 0-70 (5) sft.
Risky Rizkova 50-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, lost place well over 1f out, 8th of 12, 13l behind The Strig (9-4) at Sandown 5f hcp 0-75 (5) sft in Sep.
Man In The Arena 16-1 (8-11) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, not able to get on terms with leaders, 6th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Kindlelight Storm (9-5) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-52 (6) pol.
Silver Marizah (IRE) 20-1 (8-12) Held up in last trio, headway 4f out, chased leaders in centre over 3f out, ridden inside final 2f, weakened soon after, 6th of 8, 18l behind McConnell (9-0) at Brighton 1m 2f (6) gs in Sep.
Thomasina 25-1 (8-5) In rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on final furlong, not trouble leaders, 4th of 7, 8l behind Collingbourneducis (8-5) at Leicester 7f 3yo & 4yo sll (6) sft.
