led, ridden over 1f out, strongly pressed final furlong, headed post
tracked leading trio, went 3rd inside final 2f, ridden and one pace over 1f out, no chance with leading duo
well outpaced in rear, eased when no chance final 2f, tailed off
chased leading pair, pushed along inside final 3f, ridden and no impression when lost 3rd inside final 2f, weakened
chased leader, challenged final furlong, stayed on under pressure to lead on line
last pair, pushed along and outpaced halfway, never on terms
Richard Fahey sent out last year's winner and his Stamp Hill went close over the minimum trip at Thirsk last time while Rainbow Rebel found only one too good over 5f at Wolverhampton back in April. Above N Beyond was also placed on the all-weather a week ago and is preferred to stablemate and newcomer Lembit And Butler but another chance goes to DARK SHOT. Andrew Balding's colt was not at his best at Kempton last time but has leading claims on his earlier second at Salisbury where he finished four lengths clear of the rest.
Dark Shot 5-2fav (9-5) Took keen hold tracking leaders, ridden and went 2nd over 1f out, no impression on winner when lost 2nd inside final furlong, kept on same pace in 3rd, 3rd of 11, 3 1/4l behind Zhui Feng (9-5) at Kempton 6f mdn stks (5) pol in Sep.
Gorokai (IRE) 9-4fav (9-5) Prominent, ridden inside final 2f, lost place 1f out, no extra, 5th of 7, 5 1/2l behind Gallipoli (9-5) at Doncaster 5f mdn stks (5) gf in Apr.
Mulliondollar 50-1 (9-5) Mid-division on outside, pushed along and struggling towards rear before halfway, never a factor, 11th of 12, 20 1/4l behind Valko (9-5) at Kempton 6f mdn stks (4) pol in Aug.
Rainbow Rebel (IRE) 5-4fav (9-5) Chased leaders, soon outpaced, stayed on well closing stages, never reached winner, 2nd of 4, 1 1/4l behind Thee And Me (9-5) at Wolverhampton 5f mdn stks (5) pol in Apr.
Stamp Hill (IRE) 15-8fav (9-5) Led early, close up, ridden and every chance inside final furlong, kept on and held towards finish, 2nd of 11, nk behind Crombay (9-0) at Thirsk 5f mdn stks (4) gd in Aug.
Castlerea Tess 28-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 10, 14 1/2l behind Lovell (9-5) at Thirsk 7f mdn stks (4) gs in Sep.
Sunshineandbubbles Multiplex filly out of Dockside Strike.
Above N Beyond 13-8fav (9-5) Ridden leaving stalls, soon in touch, pushed along 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 7, 2 1/4l behind Fataawy (9-0) at Wolverhampton 5f mdn stks (5) pol in Sep.
Lembit And Butler (IRE) Lilbourne Lad gelding out of Fathoming.
