led, headed over 3f out, soon weakened
held up, ridden 3f out, some headway over 2f out, never troubled leaders
held up mid-division, headway to lead over 2f out, driven out
held up, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, one pace
chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 1f out, stayed on towards finish, always held
tracked leader, led over 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out
held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous
held up, headway halfway to go prominent, weakened over 2f out
KYBER is taken to lead them home in this stayers contest; chasing his home for the placings may be Always Best and Holoko Heights. Jim Goldie's gelding was last seen over hurdles, and with a fair degree of success, including winning a handicap at Musselburgh in December. He has been given a three month break since his last run in order to freshen him up and this mark of 59 should be within his grasp. Nearly all of his wins have come at Musselburgh but he has scored here and with stamina assured he is nominated. Always Best plugged on last time at Musselburgh but never really looked like winning, whilst Holoko Heights carried her head awkwardly in defeat last time and it is a surprise to see her with no headgear applied. Admiral, the former Chester Cup winner has been in abject form of late and is well-handicapped as a result, whilst Fistral let down supporters last time out at Leicester and he will need to improve for this step up in trip this afternoon. Nothing else makes much appeal and so we will stick with Kyber as the selection.
Admiral (IRE) 25-1 (9-11) Led, headed after 1f, remained in touch, regained lead halfway, headed over 2f out, soon behind, last of 10, 30l behind Herrera (9-9) at Beverley 2m hcp 0-75 (5) gd in May.
Kyber 12-1 (8-8) Soon chasing leader, led after 2f, headed over 3f out, weakned over 2f out, 10th of 12, 27l behind Laurel Creek (9-5) at Wolverhampton 2m hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Holoko Heights 6-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, switched right and headway on outside over 2f out, ridden and stayed on to chase leaders entering final furlong, no impression, 3rd of 16, 4l behind Forrest Flyer (9-1) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) sft in May.
Millagros (IRE) 25-1 (8-4) Towards rear, never dangerous, last of 9, 27l behind Dechiper (8-7) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) gs in May.
Fistral 5-2fav (8-7) Held up, mid-division, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 7, 12l behind Comrade Cotton (8-7) at Leicester 1m 4f app hcp 0-60 (6) gf in May.
Always Best 11-1 (8-3) In touch, lost place over 6f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on under pressure final furlong, no impression, 3rd of 5, 7l behind Dramatic Solo (9-7) at Musselburgh 1m 5f app hcp (6) gf in May.
Phoenix Nights (IRE) 100-1 (10-1) Mid-division, ridden along over 4f out, soon behind, 9th of 10, 46l behind Holiday Cocktail (11-4) at Pontefract 1m 2f am hcp (5) gd in Aug.
Firestorm (IRE) 50-1 (8-2) Reared start, behind, outpaced over 5f out, never dangerous, 8th of 12, 37l behind Squirtle (8-10) at Thirsk 2m hcp (6) sft in Aug.