tracked leaders, ridden to lead over 2f out, headed well inside final furlong
in touch, ridden and switched right over 2f out, kept on to lead well inside final furlong
prominent, ridden and every chance 1f out, no extra close home
in touch, weakened 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, soon held
towards rear, headway over 2f out, kept on, not reach leaders
mid-division, ridden and not clear run over 1f out, no further impression
held up, ridden and stayed on outside from 2f out
held up, driven over 3f out, never dangerous
slowly into stride, always in rear
soon led, weakening when headed over 2f out
Only a small number make any real appeal in this claimer. ZERO COOL can win it dropping into this grade for the first time where Sabre Light and Nawamees appear the biggest dangers. Although probably flattered by his rating of 77, Zero Cool should prove too classy for his rivals here. Returning from a break last time, he was run out of it in the closing stages over a trip that appeared on the sharp side. His summer handicap form reads very well in the context of this race and while he will find it difficult when reverted to handicapping off his current mark, Gary Moore places these types very effectively. Connections of Sabre Light have managed to hold onto him having landed two claimers recently. Both of those were at Kempton and nothing Zero Cool's class was in those races so on that basis, he has more on his plate here. Nawamees is consistent in this grade. Acquired by current connections having landed a Leicester claimer in September, he was disappointing last time under a lady rider. Rapid City's form has taken a turn for the worse in recent months but if returning to his old form he would be a place contender. Zero Cool is nominated to win it.
Nawamees (IRE) 12-1 (10-4) In touch, ridden over 3f, weakened over 2f, 14th of 18, 18l behind Spring Goddess (9-11) at Doncaster 1m 2f ldy rds hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Sabre Light 5-4fav (9-5) Mid-division, closed on leaders over 2f out, led 2f out, hard ridden final furlong, held on, won at Kempton 1m 3f 3yo clm (6) pol in Nov beating Taken (9-3) by a shd, 13 ran.
Zero Cool (USA) 9-2jt-fav (9-7) Led 3f, pressed winner afterwards, still every chance inside final furlong, lost 2nd post, 3rd of 12, nk behind Prince Of Thebes (9-4) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct.
Royal Straight 20-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders, ridden and one pace final 2f, 11th of 13, 10l behind Stand Guard (9-8) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Nov.
Gifted Heir (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Held up in rear after 2f racing keenly, well behind over 3f out, virtually pulled up entering straight, tailed off, 10th of 11, well behind La Estrella (9-13) at W'hampton 1m 6f clm (6) pol in Nov.
Rapid City 13-2 (9-4) Keen, held up in last place, wide and effort over 2f out, one pace when rider lost whip over 1f out, 7th of 10, 7l behind Don Pietro (9-8) at Great Leighs 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Nov.
Cavalry Guard (USA) 50-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out, 9th of 12, 9l behind General Feeling (9-0) at Lingfield 1m hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Royal Choir 50-1 (9-1) Mid-division on outside, pushed along 3f out, no chance soon after, 7th of 13, 10l behind Old Romney (9-6) at Lingfield 1m 1f sll (6) gd in Aug.
Golden Brown (IRE) 9-2 (8-9) Mid-division, headway on outside over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 11, 9l behind Wakita (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Oct.
Our Glenard 66-1 (8-9) Always in rear, never a factor, last of 14, 12l behind Irish Ballad (8-11) at Lingfield 2m hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Nov.
Sweet Demerara 100-1 (9-4) Very slowly away, soon pulled hard in rear, tailed off final 3f, last of 12, well behind Sundowner (8-10) at Lingfield 1m mdn stk (5) pol in Mar.
Muffett's Dream 33-1 (8-11) Led, until ridden and headed just inside final 2f, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 12, 8l behind Bluebell Ridge (8-12) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Oct.
Obrigado (USA) 7-2 (9-11) Steady start, steady headway on outside 3f out, ridden and hung left final furlong, no further impression, 6th of 14, 2 1/2l behind Wind Flow (9-11) at Lingfield 1m 4f sll (6) pol in Nov.
