Verdict

A wide open contest rounds off the card and many would have chances on their best form but the principals look to be Carnivore, Quantica and Mina and the vote is given to Carnivore. The selection was a good second behind aGeordie Dancer last time out. He still has plenty of scope for improvement and off the same mark here he will be hard to beat. Quantica rates the main danger as he was a fair second last time out behind Stellite. However he has been done no favours by the draw and for that reason he is opposed. Mina is another that could go well on his latest second behind Imperial Rule but he continues to rise in the weights without winning and he looks opposable on that basis. Indian Spark was a never nearer third behind Blue Knight last time out and with the return to this trip in his favour he will not be far away despite top weight. King of Meze is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but his best form is on a faster surface,. Of the remainder Hout Bay has dropped to a handy mark and could go well at a price but in a race where stakes should be kept to a minimum for the winner we return to Carnivore.

Formwatch

Indian Spark 9-1 (9-4) Behind, headway over 1f out, kept on well, nearest finish, 3rd of 19, 4 1/2l behind Blue Knight (8-12) at Newcastle 5f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Sept.

Geordie Dancer (IRE) 40-1 (8-8) Soon behind, 18th of 19, 15l behind Out of India (8-8) at Redcar 7f 3yo hcp (5) gf.

California Laws 9-2fav (9-3) Slowly into stride, always outpaced, 15th of 19, 11l behind Blue Knight (8-12) at Newcastle 5f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Sept.

King of Meze (IRE) 4-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, led over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, headed well inside final furlong, 2nd of 11, nk behind Dispol Verity (8-2) at Yarmouth 7f mdn clm (7) gd.

Carnivore 5-1 (8-9) Went right start, mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, led over 1f out until headed towards finish, 2nd of 16, shd behind Geordie Dancer (8-13) at Carlisle 6f 3yo hcp (6) gf in Sept.

Quantica (IRE) 9-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, chased winner over 1f out, no impression, 2nd of 16, 5l behind Stellite (8-10) at Ayr 7f hcp 0-60 (6) sft in Sept.

Sharoura 14-1 (10-9) Dwelt, soon led far side group, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 20, 13l behind Kallista's Pride (10-9) at Thirsk 6f ldy sll hcp 0-60 (6) gd in Jul.

Mina 5-2 (8-2) Raced on outside, in touch, headway to chase winner over 1f out, no impression, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Imperial Rule (9-0) at Goodwood 6f mdn stk (5) gd.