mid-division, ridden over 1f out, one pace
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, led inside final furlong, kept on well
tracked leaders, ridden well over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
slowly into stride, held up behind, never dangerous
mid-division, headway over 1f out, every chance entering final furlong, soon no extra
always behind
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, no extra
held up, stayed on from over 1f out
held up, ridden 2f out, never on terms
chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
Blazing Heights is looking to win this race for the third successive year, but we think a more likely winner is THE TATLING, with Artsu also having claims. All three gain weight from Hotham, who's been disappointing in a couple of runs since winning here last month. The Tatling ended a 17 month losing run when successful at Brighton last time out after coming from off the pace, despite meeting trouble in running. Milton Bradley's runner is very much the old boy of this field, but still showing plenty of enthusiasm. Blazing Heights hasn't won since this race last year, and that was his only success since triumphing in this event 12 months earlier. He does look the pick of Jim Goldie's four runners though. Artsu will relish testing conditions, as he did when winning a similar race at Haydock back in the summer. Expect him to try and come from off the pace. Favourites have fared badly in this event over the years, with none winning in the last five runnings. Our selection in a hot little heat is The Tatling. (Chris Cooper)
Hotham 20-1 (8-4) In touch, ridden and one pace from halfway, 7th of 20, 2 1/2l behind Judge 'n Jury (9-6) at Doncaster 5f hcp 0-100 (2) gd in Oct.
Swift Princess (IRE) 5-1 (9-4) Held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, last of 7, 11l behind Prescription (8-4) at Hamilton 6f fll hcp (3) sft in Sept.
Roker Park (IRE) 40-1 (8-8) Always behind stand side, 10th of 15, 6l behind Judge 'n Jury (9-4) at Catterick 5f hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Oct.
The Tatling (IRE) 10-1 (8-10) Took keen hold, held up travelling well, not clear run on stand rail 2f out, soon switched left, no room, switched left again over 1f out, led inside final furlong, won going away, won at Brighton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) gs in Oct beating Rocker.
Le Toreador 7-2 (8-12) Chased leader, ridden over 1f out, unable to quicken when hampered inside final furlong, 6th of 8, 7l behind Tony The Tap (9-0) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Johannes (IRE) 15-2 (8-11) Slowly into stride, towards rear, outpaced over 2f out, stayed on strongly inside final furlong, nearest at finish, 6th of 16, 2 1/2l behind Kay Two (9-4) at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Oct.
Highland Warrior 7-1 (9-4) Dwelt, behind, stayed on from over 1f out, never dangerous, 10th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Cape Royal (8-10) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-75 (5) hvy in Oct.
Artsu 7-1fav (8-12) In touch stand's side group, headway over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 3rd of 17, 1l behind Lap of Honour (8-13) at Newcastle 6f hcp 0-75 (5) hvy in Oct.
John Keats 22-1 (9-0) Held up, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong, 10th of 12, 6l behind Hotham (8-12) at Ayr 5f hcap (4) hvy in Sept.
Cape Royal 10-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on well, won at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-75 (5) hvy in Oct beating Make My Dream (9-0) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Rothesay Dancer 20-1 (8-5) Mid-division, effort, hung left and slightly hampered over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 4th of 10, 2l behind Invincible Lad (8-13) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Oct.
Blazing Heights 7-4fav (9-9) Held up behind, ridden well over 1f out, headway final furlong, stayed on inside last, 5th of 11, 1 1/2l behind King Of Swords (9-2) at Musselburgh 5f hcap (5) sft in Sept.
Killer Class 8-1 (8-6) Held up, ridden and no room over 1f out, and again when switched right inside final furlong, not recover, 12th of 13, 5l behind Cape Royal (8-10) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-75 (5) hvy in Oct.
