led, mistake 2nd, headed before 4 out, weakened 3 out
held up, taken outside before 5th, mistake 8th, switched left and closed 4 out, went 2nd before mistake 3 out, no impression 2 out
chased leaders, not fluent 3rd, lost 2nd 7th, lost touch after 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
chased leaders, went 2nd when slow 7th, led before 4 out, jumped left 3 out, clear 2 out, stayed on well
REAL STONE was very impressive when scoring by 20 lengths over the track and trip a month ago and though raised 8lb Dan Skelton has put up a 5lb claimer. Bythesametoken has been in good form in Ireland but will be conceding weight to the selection which looks beyond him. Rose Sea Has is 3lb lower than when last successful on Boxing Day but has not been in the best of form and Netywell looks to have more of a chance after three reasonable efforts in recent weeks.
Real Stone 15-8fav (10-11) Chased leaders, not fluent 2nd, went 2nd 4th, switched right and led 6th, clear 9th, very easily, won at Haydock 2m hcp (3) sft in Nov beating Daly Tiger (10-13) by 20l, 5 ran.
Bythesametoken (IRE) 10-1 (11-11) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, progress into 2nd travelling well entering straight, ridden to challenge over 1f out, no extra and kept on one pace close home, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Dont Go Yet (11-7) at Down Royal 2m hcp sft in Nov.
Rose Sea Has (FR) 5-1 (11-11) Led, headed and remained handy after 4 out, gradually weakened from next, 4th of 6, 31l behind Hardy Fella (12-0) at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (4) hvy in Nov.
Netywell (FR) 11-8fav (10-12) Handy, not fluent 4 out and pushed along, no impression when stumbled on landing 2 out, soon held, 3rd of 4, 6 1/4l behind Gallic Geordie (11-2) at Wetherby 1m 7f hcp (3) sft in Nov.
