held up behind in touch, not fluent 8th, soon struggling ridden after next, lost touch 3 out, tailed off when pulled up approaching last
led narrowly to after 2nd, remained in touch, chased winner 4 out to 2 out, soon ridden and one pace, no chance in clear 3rd from last
tracked leaders, not fluent 4 out, pushed along in 3rd after 3 out, went 2nd next, soon ridden, 2 lengths down when not fluent last, kept on, always held by winner
not fluent 1st, with leader, led after 2nd to 4th, tracked winner, lost place 4 out, weakened before 2 out, tailed off
pressed leader after 2nd, led 4th, made rest, ridden after 2 out, 2 lengths advantage when hit last, kept on well flat
Sign Manual's form figures are misleading as he's been well beaten since finishing second at Wetherby last May and will again be burdened with a penalty. Bryden Boy has been frustrating to follow and hasn't raced since a beaten favourite at Cartmel last June so this is best left to Nicky Richards' mare CONQUER GOLD. She has a jumping pedigree and has already won a point-to-point – stamina won't be a problem. Gully's Edge went close twice in bumpers and may improve for the step up in trip but Quinto is proving inconsistent.
Sign Manual 12-1 (11-5) Held up in touch, behind from 5th, ridden and headway after 3 out, chased leaders next, went 3rd between last 2, kept on same pace, no chance with front pair, 3rd of 9, 15 1/4l behind Poulanassy (11-5) at Catterick 2m 3f (4) sft in Dec.
Bryden Boy (IRE) 11-8fav (11-2) Led until 4th, soon led again, not fluent and headed 8th, not fluent 2 out, soon edged right and ridden, one pace after last, 4th of 11, 11 3/4l behind Thatshowhedidit (11-2) at Cartmel 2m 6f mdn (5) gf in Jun.
Gully's Edge 2-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, driven and one pace final 2f, went well held 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, 14l behind Monbeg Charmer (11-0) at Carlisle 2m 1f (6) gd in Oct.
Kerry's Lord (IRE) 250-1 (11-0) Always behind, never a factor, tailed off, 6th of 7, dist behind Robin Of Locksley (11-0) at Southwell 2m 4f mdn (5) hvy in Dec.
Quinto 7-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened next, 5th of 10, 24 1/4l behind Alibi De Sivola (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 3f (4) hvy in Nov.
Conquer Gold (IRE) 7-4 (10-12) Chase dleaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Billy Billy (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f (6) hvy in Dec.
