The Duke's Speech can take this typically poor contest, with Third Empire and Pearson Glen perhaps the most likely challengers. The selection has form on the board which, in the context of this race, is good enough to suggest he can win comfortably. Beaten 10 lengths in the Aintree bumper last spring, he performed pretty well at Wetherby on his reappearance and didn't look a stayer when tried over further last time. The return to this trip will be ideal, and a reproduction of his reappearance effort should suffice. Third Empire is a definite for the short list here, having performed well on his last two starts, in particular his effort at Kelso last time. However, with fast ground forecast, he does look vulnerable having performed much better on soft thus far. Pearson Glen is no great shakes but can go in any conditions and this sort of trip suits, so he may be capable of running into the frame, while improvement from Arctic Cove at his local track would not surprise. However, The Duke's Speech looks to have been found a good opportunity to get off the mark.
Arctic Cove 33-1 (11-2) In touch, ridden after 3 out, weakened between last 2, 8th of 15, 20l behind First Look (11-2) at Kelso 2m mdn hdl (E) gs.
Barney (IRE) 100-1 (10-7) Hampered 1st, always behind, 12th of 17, well behind Rasharrow (11-5) at Ayr 2m nov hdl (D) sft in Nov.
Fencote Gold 50-1 (10-10) Led, headed after 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 15, 43l behind Bougoure (10-10) at Catterick 2m 3f nh nov hdl (E) gd in Nov.
Logistical 33-1 (10-13) Always behind, 12th of 15, well behind Serbelloni (11-2) at Kelso 2m mdn hdl (E) gs.
Pearson Glen (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Mid-division, ridden and mistake 3 out, kept on one pace, 6th of 11, 11l behind Gustavo (10-7) at Bangor 2m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (F) hvy.
The Duke's Speech (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) Raced keenly in touch, effort approaching 3 out, soon ridden and weakened, 6th of 12, 22l behind L'Antartique (11-5) at Doncaster 2m 3f nov hdl (E) gd.
Third Empire 20-1 (11-2) With leader, led 4 out, headed last, no extra, 4th of 15, 6l behind First Look (11-2) at Kelso 2m mdn hdl (E) gs.
Peggy Naylor 150-1 (10-0) Mid-division, ridden after 5th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Border Castle (10-12) at Haydock 2m nov hdl (D) sft, 19 ran.
