slight lead until pushed along halfway, lost 2nd 2f out, weakened soon after
with leaders, disputing 2nd 2f out, outright 2nd over 1f out, ridden and stayed on same pace final furlong
with leader, led halfway, ridden clear over 1f out, stayed on well, driven out (hand time)
with leaders, pushed along halfway, soon weakened
steadied start, keen tracking leaders, disputing 2nd 2f out until ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace in 3rd
DARK ILLUSION will appreciate the underfoot conditions having looked unlucky at York last week. He still finished third in a tougher handicap than this despite failing to get a clear run at a crucial stage and winning partner Charles Bishop is back on board for this. Fantasy Master landed a maiden over track and trip last month while West Way Never won a novices' event at Hamilton and both race in soft going for the first time. Hot Scoop notched-up a hat-trick during the summer but has struggled recently while Julie Johnston has done her winning over 6f so far.
Hot Scoop 22-1 (8-7) Close up far side, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 19th of 27, 15 3/4l behind Just Frank (8-9) at Newmarket 6f stks (2) sft in Oct.
Dark Illusion 9-2 (8-7) Held up in mid-division, trying to close when not clear run from over 1f out until inside final furlong, ran on, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Imperium Blue (8-9) at York 5f (3) sft in Oct.
Fantasy Master 80-1 (9-5) Dwelt towards rear, wide and headway over 1f out, ridden and stayed on to lead towards finish(hand time), won at Nottingham 5f mdn stks (4) gd in Sep beating Prospect (9-5) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Julie Johnston 5-1 (8-12) Went left start, soon led, ridden over 1f out, headed entering final furlong weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 4 1/4l behind Rania (8-9) at Salisbury 6f fll (3) gd in Sep.
West Way Never (IRE) 5-2 (9-0) Close up, headway to lead over 1f out, ridden and edged left inside final furlong, ran on, won at Hamilton 5f stks (5) gd in Sep beating Amazing Anna (9-0) by 1/2l, 7 ran.