held up in rear, headway and hung left over 1f out, lead inside final furlong, ran on well
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, weakened final furlong
led, ridden and headed inside final furlong, weakened quickly
tracked leader, driven to challenge over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out
mid-division, chased leaders from 3f out, effort over 2f out, soon one pace
held up, headway over 1f out, never nearer
always behind
held up, headway over 2f out, soon hung left and no impression
slowly into side, held up never dangerous
mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, kept on well under pressure, no chance with winner
help up, never dangerous
mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, soon lost place
Piano Man can make the most of his quick reappearance to score at the expense of Justcallmehandsome, Hansomelle and Sawwah in an open handicap. Piano Man was quietly fancied here on Wednesday, but having led two out, he had to settle for fourth behind Alqaayid, with Justcallmehandsome two places ahead of him in second. That was the latter's first outing in 200-days and granted he is entitled to improve, but the weights favour Brendan Powell's five-year-old today, and with Richard Quinn, who rides the track so well, taking over in the plate, he can be supported to finally lose his maiden tag. Of the remainder, Hansomelle shaped well on her first visit here three weeks ago when third to Legal Lover, and although without a win for two years, may reach the frame, while Sawwah gave a good account at Leicester last time and although saddled with topweight, makes more appeal than Factual Lad who has an absence to overcome. There is not much between the principals, but Piano Man can shade it.
Sawwaah (IRE) 13-2 (8-9) Dwelt, held up in rear, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, led over 1f out, soon edged left, headed and no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 6, 2l behind Street Life (9-2) at Leicester 1m 2f hcap (5) sft in May.
Border Edge 20-1 (8-8) Mid-division, ridden 4f out, weakened 2f out, 7th of 15, 9l behind Apex (9-3) at Bath 1m hcap (5) gf in May.
Factual Lad 2-1fav (9-3) Midd-division, effort on headway to chase leaders 3f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Alasil (9-0) at Chepstow 1m 2f sll (6) gd in Sept.
Piano Man 6-1 (9-0) Held up in rear, headway over 4f out, led over 2f out, headed inside final 2f, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 1 1/2l behind Alqaayid (8-7) at Brighton 1m 2f hcap (6) sft in May.
Jarvo 5-2fav (9-10) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 12, 10l behind Just Lille (10-11) at Beverley 1m 2f ldy rds hcp (5) gf in May.
Christmas Truce (IRE) 14-1 (8-8) Behind early, ridden over 2f out, soon one pace, 6th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Legal Lover (8-11) at Brighton 1m hcp 0-60 (6) gd in May.
Hansomelle (IRE) 8-1 (8-5) Behind early, headway over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 3rd of 14, 2l behind Legal Lover (8-11) at Brighton 1m hcp 0-60 (6) gd in May.
Makai 5-1 (8-9) Tracked leader, led 6f out to 3f out, weakened quickly 2f out, 11th of 12, 31l behind Alqaayid (8-7) at Brighton 1m 2f hcap (6) sft in May.
