with leader until led 4 out, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened approaching last
tracked leading pair, went 2nd approaching 3 out, led next, headed bend approaching last, ridden and kept on one pace
close up, ridden 4 out, weakened next, soon pulled up
led, hit 3rd, hit and headed 4 out, weakened 2 out
held up in rear, headway to 3rd 3 out, led bend approaching last, ridden and ran on
Nonrunner
Most of these are little better than platers nowadays but all are capable of winning a race like this if in the mood. Hawdyerwheesht has only finished out of the frame once in his last dozen starts and should keep up that record. Istimraar was well backed on his debut for Dan Skelton at Fontwell but could do with some help from the handicapper. El Massivo was well beaten in a seller last time, however, and While You Wait rarely wins outside of that grade. Having tumbled down the weights, CHANGING THE GUARD was more like his old self when third at Kelso last month and can get back on the winning trail here with Gin And Tonic fancied to be the biggest threat despite a poor recent run at Uttoxeter.
Hawdyerwheesht 8-1 (11-5) Led, clear briefly on downhill run after 3rd, headed 4th, led again 5th, headed last, one pace flat, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Satanic Beat (11-12) at Warwick 2m hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Istimraar (IRE) 3-1fav (10-6) Took keen hold, mid-division, tracked leaders 4th, ridden and effort before 2 out, kept on same pace, no impression before last, weakened flat, 5th of 9, 10 1/2l behind After Eight Sivola (10-9) at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (2) gd in Oct.
El Massivo (IRE) 3-1fav (11-5) Behind, driven to chase clear leaders 2 out, kept on same pace, weakened flat, 7th of 12, 23 3/4l behind Fair Loch (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f (5) gd in Aug.
Changing The Guard 11-1 (10-11) Led, not fluent 5th, jumped right 2 out, headed and hampered last, stayed on same pace flat, 3rd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Makethedifference (10-3) at Kelso 2m hcp (2) gf in Sep.
Gin And Tonic 5-2fav (11-10) Held up towards rear, hampered 1st, faltered at path crossing after 3rd, pushed along from 5th, some headway when not fluent 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 10, 19 1/4l behind Ullswater (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (5) gd in Oct.
While You Wait (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Held up in touch, outpaced after 4 out, 3rd last, no chance with winner, closing on 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 6, 13l behind Ink Master (11-7) at Worcester 2m hcp (4) gd in Oct.