made all, ridden 3 out, challenged approaching final furlong, kept on well, gamely
held up mid-division and keen, ridden and headway 5f out, chased leaders and one pace over 1f out
tracked leaders and keen, ridden 5f out, chased leader soon after, ran on again well inside final furlong to take 2nd near finish
towards rear, ridden and headway over 3f out, chased leaders and hung left over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden 8f out, weakened over 3f out
held up in rear, ridden halfway, no impression
in touch, headway 7th, pressed winner from 2 out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra
in touch and keen, lost place 9th
towards rear, ridden halfway, weakened 5f out
Flasher is taken to land the finale with Master Bell and Slavedriver rated as the main dangers. The selection was well supported in the market ahead of his debut and clearly he was expected to go well. In truth, he was a little disappointing but he raced keenly on that day and with the benefit of that experience under his belt he might be worth another chance. Master Bell was a fair third behind Keepitsecret on his debut over this course and distance and he is sure to come on for the run. He will need to improve to get competitive though and looks opposable. Slavedriver is a well-bred newcomer from a stable who have to be respected in these type of events, so a market move for him would be of interest. Jazz City showed some promise last time and is another to consider, but for the winner we will return to Flasher who hails from a stable that are flying at present.
Flasher (IRE) 15-8 (10-11) Led and disputed lead to halfway, soon lost place, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 11, 19l behind Nodforms Victoria (10-13) at Hexham 2m nhf (6) gd in Oct.
Jazz City 9-1 (10-11) Prominent and keen, chased winner after 5f, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 2nd of 9, 11l behind Havenstone (10-13) at Ludlow 2m nhf (5) gf in Oct.
Lord Ashfordly 5-1 (12-0) Held up; hdwy 13; wknd 4 out; pulled up in race won by Denby (12-0) at Tabley 3m ptp gf in May, 18 ran.
Master Bell 20-1 (10-11) Towards rear, headway 7f out, ridden 4f out and kept on, 3rd of 15, 11l behind Keepitsecret (10-11) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) gf in Oct.
Power King (IRE) Supreme Leader colt, half-brother to the versatile winner Scotch Corner.
Slavedriver Karinga Bay gelding, half-brother to winners up to 1m2f.
The Cheekster Private Despatch gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Dove From Above.
Materiality Karinga Bay filly, sister to bumper and hurdles winner Material World.
