tracked leader, took keen hold, hit 4th, driven to challenge 3 out, mistake 2 out, keeping on under pressure when hung left close home
made all, ridden after 2 out, ran on strongly
held up in rear but in touch, headway to chase leaders 4 out, effort 2 out, held in 3rd when short of room closing stages, never a threat
chased leaders, weakened approaching 3 out
tracked winner, ridden 4 out, weakened after next
held up in rear but in touch, slow 2nd, weakened 5 out
Nonrunner
CLOSING CEREMONY returned to winning ways over course and distance last month. His defeat of Milan Bound is the best recent form on offer and Emma Lavelle's charge can go in again. American Life's winning run came to end at Fontwell last time and, given he has to race off an 8lb higher mark today for his earlier victories, the less-exposed types could prove bigger threats. Millicent Silver won her maiden in good style at Lingfield and there should also be more to come from Wetherby runner-up Red Danaher. Araldur is capable at this level at his best but has not shown that for some time now.
Araldur (FR) 33-1 (10-9) Towards rear, weakened from 4 out, 14th of 16, well behind Aubusson (10-13) at Haydock 3m hcp hdl Grade 3 (1) sft in Nov.
Closing Ceremony (IRE) 13-2 (11-5) Led, headed 4 out, regained leaad 2 out, pressed from last, kept on gamely, just held on close home, won at Haydock 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Nov beating Milan Bound (11-4) by hd, 14 ran.
American Life (FR) 4-7fav (11-12) Raced wide, tracked leader until 2nd, 2nd again 3 out, soon outpaced, ridden and no impression before next, 2nd of 3, 6l behind Sweet Boy Vic (10-6) at Fontwell 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy in Nov.
Red Danaher (IRE) 8-1 (10-9) Towards rear, outpaced from 4 out, headwaay before 3 out, chased winner before 2 out, kept on and no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Three Musketeers (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) sft.
Millicent Silver 5-6fav (10-10) Held up in touch, headway before 5th, led 4 out, pushed along before 2 out, kept on and driven out, won at Lingfield 2m 3f mdn hdl (4) hvy in Nov beating Grace And Fortune (10-10) by 3l, 6 ran.
Our Maimie (IRE) 8-1 (11-8) Held up towards rear, not fluent 3rd, pushed along before 8th, stayed on approaching last, went 3rd flat, nearest finish, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Magic Money (11-6) at Uttoxeter 3m mrs hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gs in Oct.
Rolling Maul (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Mid-division, lost place 4 out, behind when ridden after next, weakened last, 8th of 10, 24l behind Morito Du Berlais (10-11) at Cheltenham 2m 5f (3) sft in Nov.
