Verdict

GAZETTE BOURGEOISE (NAP) was no match for the winner when runner-up in this last year but is 8lb lower this time and missed out by only a nose at Ffos Las last time. Anti Bridgie and Midnight Mary need to find a bit more off their current marks to come out best, though the latter may well reverse earlier running at Warwick with Haute Estime on today’s more favourable terms. Sedgefield winner Onestepatatime disappointed when favourite back at the same track.

Formwatch

Haute Estime (IRE) 15-2 (11-2) Chased leaders, lost place before 7th, well beaten before 4 out, plugged on from 2 out, 5th of 10, 19 1/4l behind Famous Bridge (11-8) at Haydock 3m 2f hcp (2) sft in Nov.

Midnight Mary 9-1 (10-13) Led 2nd, jumped left 9th, headed 12th, led 14th, headed soon after 3 out, weakened flat, 5th of 10, 9l behind Animal (10-11) at Sandown 3m hcp (3) sft in Dec.

Gazette Bourgeoise (FR) 6-1 (11-11) Prominent, led before 7th, headed next, not fluent 2 out, headed towards finish, stayed on, just held, 2nd of 8, shd behind James Jet (11-12) at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.

Anti Bridgie (IRE) 10-3fav (11-6) Led until 4th, chased leader, went right 7th, led again 13th until 15th, led again turning in, headed 3 out, lost 2nd next, plugged on in well held 3rd, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Some Scope (11-2) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp (3) gs in Nov.

Shighness 9-1 (11-4) In rear on outer, lost touch 9th, pulled up after next, at Market Rasen 3m hcp (4) gs in Nov.

Onestepatatime (IRE) Evensfav (12-0) Tracked leader, raced in 3rd from 12th, pushed along and lost position home turn, ridden and no impression from 2 out, 4th of 6, 7 1/4l behind Deep Charm (11-5) at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp (5) sft in Nov.