soon struggling in rear, lost touch halfway, tailed off
behind, steady headway over 4f out, kept on one pace final 2f
chased leaders, led over 4f out, ridden 2f out, kept on until headed inside final furlong, stayed on same pace
always in rear, tailed off
chased leaders, pushed along 3f out, weakened over 2f out
held up towards rear, headway over 4f out, kept on final 2f
led until headed over 4f out, weakened 3f out, tailed off
held up towards rear, some headway from 2f out, never dangerous
chased leaders, every chance 4f out, weakened 3f out, tailed off
chased leaders until weakened over 3f out
behind, headway 3f out, kept on final 2f out, not pace of front pair
chased leaders until ridden and weakened over 3f out
chased leader until 4f out, weakened 3f out
never better than mid-division, behind final 5f, tailed off
chased leaders, challenged from over 2f out, driven to lead inside final furlong, stayed on
behind, headway over 3f out, kept on one pace final 2f
A big field for this bumper where the usual rules apply with regard to the market and trainers who do well in this sphere, and MIDNIGHT PRAYER gets the nod, while Uncle Ant, Yukon Quest and Captain Hastings are all respected. The selection was runner-up in a similar contest here last month, when the ground was also described as soft. The form of that race looks pretty strong in the context of this contest, and he can build on that experience with success this time. Stablemate Yukon Quest is also likely to be well prepared and is related to numerous winners under rules. This is a good starting point and despite his apparent second string status he may still be the one to chase home his Barbury Castle companion. Captain Hastings is another related to winners under rules, although not such an illustrious family, and he will be well prepared by Nick Gifford, who does not have a bad record in this sort of race, so a market check is strongly advised. Robin De Vassy also has a decent pedigree for a race like this and Martin Keighley is enjoying a very good campaign, so with Tom Scudamore booked we could see a good run first up from the French-bred runner. Paul Webber has also done well in these events over the years, so with Denis O'Regan up, Uncle Aunt, who should act well on soft ground if pedigree is any guide, can get involved. Midnight Prayer is the one to beat and gets our vote.
Alfie Brown Alflora gelding out of Broughton Manor.
Captain Hastings (IRE) Tamayaz gelding out of Ard Tia.
Easton Clump Dancing Spree gelding out of High Commotion.
El Passos (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Pulled hard early, held up in rear, steady headway from over 4f out, 6th and driven along 2f out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, 48l behind Lady Rhinestone (10-9) at Fontwell 2m 2f NH flat (6) gf in Jun.
Island News Carisbrooke gelding out of Sweet N' Twenty.
Mac's Haul (IRE) Saddlers' Hall gelding out of Vallee Doree.
Midnight Prayer 14-1 (11-0) Keen hold, held up towards rear, driven along over 2f out, stayed on from over 1f out, went 2nd final 100 yards, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 4l behind Oscar Whisky (11-7) at Newbury 2m NH flat (5) sft in Nov.
Mister Concussion Baryshnikov gelding out of Slipmatic.
Mossini (IRE) Dr Massini gelding out of Ballylooby Moss.
Premier Article (IRE) Definite Article gelding out of Notsophar.
Total Submission 7-1 (11-7) Cl up, 5th 5out, lft cl 3rd 3out, no ex aftr 2out, ko, 3rd of 11, 2l behind Khorun (11-7) at Dromahane 3m ire ptp in Apr.
Uncle Ant (IRE) Alderbrook gelding out of Auntie Sally.
Venetian Lad Midnight Legend gelding out of Henrietta Holmes.
Yukon Quest (IRE) Ashkalani gelding out of Hidden Ability.
Aeronautica (IRE) Exit To Nowhere mare out of Ida Melba.
Missmargaritaville Runyon filly out of Majestic Di.
Mizzurka (IRE) 16-1 (9-13) Held up, outpaced over 5f out, kept on from over 2f out, 4th of 16, 5l behind Sherwani Wolf (11-4) at Chepstow 2m NH flat (6) sft in Nov.
Victoria Rose (IRE) Old Vic filly out of West Hill Rose.
Robin de Vassy (FR) Robin Des Champs gelding out of Provenchere.
