mid-division, headway to challenge over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
tracked leader, ridden and led over 2f out, kept on final furlong
prominent and keen early, led over 4f out, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened
slowly into stride, soon mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, headway to go in touch over 3f out, soon switched left, ridden and no impression
led, ridden and headed over 4f out, soon weakened
held up, headway over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, not pace of winner
prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, headway over 4f out, ridden to go in touch over 3f out, weakened inside final furlong
behind, not much room over 2f out, ridden and no impression after
Aleron has been a model of consistency this season, and is taken to resume winning ways at the expense of dark horse Young Owen. John Quinn's five-year-old has put up some exemplary runs already this season, winning at Musselburgh and then just touched off at Catterick on his next start. On his most recent outing, he was favourite for a better race than this at Chester, and was far from disgraced when third to Court Of Appeal. Those last two runs have been over a slightly shorter trip, and a return to this 14 furlong-trip may be enough for him to get his head back in front again. Young Owen is the biggest danger on his handicap debut. Richard Fahey's gelding began his career in bumpers and it was no surprise to see him put up an improved display when chasing home a Michael Stoute hotpot here on his first try at 11 furlongs on the flat. This extra half-mile is almost certain to suit, and any market confidence would underline his claims. Nowell House is sure to strip fitter for his reappearance here and the more rain the better for Mick Easterby's mudlark, so if the ground were to come up very soft he would rate a threat to one and all. Christmas Truce put up a good effort in a first time visor at Brighton on his latest start and is another to consider.