led, headed over 2f out, led over 1f out, headed entering final furlong, kept on same pace
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, soon lost place
took keen hold, chased leaders, close up over 1f out, kept on, no impression on winner inside final furlong, just held on to 2nd
mid-division, soon pushed along, struggling over 2f out, ran on well final 100 yards, just failed to get 2nd
towards rear, never dangerous
chased leaders, not much room over 1f out, soon squeezed through, led entering final furlong, ran on well
behind, wide last bend, never figured
slowly into stride, towards rear, not clear run over 2f out, no impression
mid-division, switched right and effort over 1f out, never dangerous
prominent, led over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong
NonRunner
Plenty of course form on view here and dual track winner Reflektor has won from higher marks. Union Rose won the race two years ago but looks on a high enough mark now while Zapper Cass couldn't handle a 5lb higher mark here a couple of weeks ago after scoring at Southwell. THREE LITTLE BIRDS (NAP) was beaten a short-head in that former event then went one better on a return visit, scoring with a bit in hand, so looks capable of defying a 5lb rise. Fizzy Feet has run very well the last twice and though going up in the ratings without winning should get into the frame again. Abel Handy's close fourth at Newcastle was in a better class event than this so he can go well despite a big weight.
Abel Handy (IRE) 28-1 (8-9) Prominent, pushed along halfway, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 11, 2 1/4l behind Watchable (9-4) at Newcastle 5f hcp (3) pol in Nov.
Union Rose 3-1 (10-0) Tracked leaders, ridden and unable to quicken over 1f out, no impression when short of room inside final furlong, 6th of 11, 3 3/4l behind Enthaar (9-6) at Sandown 5f hcp (5) gd in Sep.
Canford Bay (IRE) 12-1 (8-2) Prominent, led 2f out, headed entering final furlong, faded, 6th of 8, 3 1/4l behind Rocket Action (9-3) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (2) pol in Nov.
Fizzy Feet (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) Always well placed, pushed along over 2f out, edged left over 1f out, every chance well inside final furlong, ran on, 2nd of 10, hd behind Thegreatestshowman (9-7) at Lingfield 5f hcp (4) pol in Nov.
Excellent George 15-2 (9-7) Held up mid-division, kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Last Page (9-8) at Kempton 6f hcp (4) pol in Nov.
Lomu (IRE) 5-2fav (9-10) Taken to post early, led, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, weakened inside final furlong, last of 7, 9 1/2l behind Afandem (9-1) at Musselburgh 5f hcp (4) gs in Sep.
Three Little Birds 5-4fav (9-7) Mid-division, headway 2f out, led over 1f out, ran on well, readily, won at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (5) pol in Nov beating Qaaraat (8-9) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Zapper Cass (FR) 9-2 (9-12) Dwelt in touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on same pace, 7th of 11, 3/4l behind Lethal Angel (9-7) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Secretfact 14-1 (8-12) Held up mid-division, ridden and ran on inside final furlong, never able to challenge, 7th of 10, 3 1/4l behind Thegreatestshowman (9-7) at Lingfield 5f hcp (4) pol in Nov.
Red Stripes (USA) 10-1 (9-5) Prominent, ridden and every chance over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 12, 4 1/4l behind Young Tiger (9-2) at Southwell 5f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Reflektor (IRE) 8-1 (8-12) Led, headed over 1f out, faded inside final furlong, 7th of 8, 5 3/4l behind Power Link (9-2) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp (3) pol in Oct.
