in rear, ridden 2f out, stayed on strongly to lead final 100 yards, won going away
prominent, ridden 4f out, some headway final furlong, kept on in 3rd
mid-division out wide, headway upsides 2f out, outpaced final furlong, soon no extra
mid-division on inside, pushed along and made no impression 3f out
always towards rear, never involved
led, ridden 2f out, headed approaching final furlong, plugged on
held up, headway going well on outside 2f out, ridden to lead final furlong, soon headed, kept on
BILLY NO MATES won this off today’s mark back in 2020. A runner-up in soft ground at Thirsk last time, he looks set to make another bold bid. Black Kalanisi’s success at Goodwood last season came over 2m while Zillion’s earlier double came in Class 6 company and Daaris would prefer faster going. Lucky's Dream has been in the mix at Newcastle lately but hasn’t won on Turf since 2019.
Billy No Mates (IRE) 2-1fav (10-2) Mid-division, took closer order 4f out, pushed along 3f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, went second post, 2nd of 10, 1 3/4l behind Edge Of Darkness (9-5) at Thirsk 1m 4f hcp (5) sft in Aug.
Black Kalanisi (IRE) 14-1 (10-8) Dwelt, held up in rear, went 4th halfway, effort and headway over 3f out, pushed along and led over 2f out, soon ridden and headed, kept on, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Trooper Bisdee (9-8) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (5) gs in Aug.
Caldwell 22-1 (10-2) Held up in rear, ridden and well beaten final 2f, last of 8, 13 1/4l behind Marmara Sea (9-8) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp (5) gd in Sep.
V Twelve (IRE) 15-2 (9-11) Held up in last trio, pushed along over 3f out, some late headway, never on terms, 5th of 9, 5 1/4l behind Therapist (9-9) at Newmarket 1m 2f hcp (5) gd in Jul.
Lucky's Dream 20-1 (9-10) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, driven over 1f out, kept on without threatening, 4th of 13, 1 1/2l behind Glenister (9-0) at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp (4) pol in Aug.
Daaris (IRE) 7-1 (9-13) Chased leaders, steadied after 2f, headway and switched left over 1f out, kept on, no impression on winner, 3rd of 10, 4 1/4l behind Big Cheese (10-3) at Catterick 1m 6f hcp (6) gd in Aug.
Zillion (IRE) 14-1 (8-13) Mid-division, still plenty to do over 2f out, headway and went second over 1f out, kept on final furlong, 2nd of 14, 1 3/4l behind Lusaka (9-12) at Bath 1m 6f hcp (2) gs in Sep.