slight lead to over 2f out, regained lead briefly 1f out, not pace of winner inside final furlong, lost 2nd final 50 yards
took keen hold, held up behind leaders, challenged on bit over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on well
held up, headway on inside over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, unable to quicken towards finish
in touch on outside, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final 2f
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
soon bustled along and took keen hold in touch, headway on outside over 1f out, driven and ran on inside final furlong, went 2nd final 50 yards, no chance with winner
with leader, slight lead over 2f out until 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
behind, pushed along halfway, headway under pressure over 1f out, switched right and ran on inside final furlong, never nearer
This looks competitive for the grade, with top weight MONKEY GLAS selected, with the expected dangers being Little Edward and Bazguy. Although giving weight away all round, the selection, who's having his first run for Jonathan Gask, comes here in decent form, having won a claimer over seven furlongs last time out here, in what was his first outing in four months. Normally a front runner, he had to work his way through the field that day, but won very easily. He has the advantage here of a high draw. A return to handicap company may not be too far away. Little Edward is the old man of the party, but still retains his enthusiasm, and has won in much better company than this. He drops back down in trip which should be seen as a positive. The low draw isn't though. Bazguy's an all-weather specialist, but hasn't enjoyed as much success here as at Great Leighs and Kempton. Third at Southwell last time when the draw may have worked against him, he couldn't ask for a better starting gate than he's got here. There may be support for several here, but we'll side with Monkey Glas.
Monkey Glas (IRE) 11-8fav (9-3) Led over 4f out, ridden clear over 1f out, weakened under pressure inside final furlong, just held on close home, won at Lingfield 7f clm (6) pol in Nov beating I Confess (9-0) by a nk, 9 ran.
Little Edward 3-1fav (9-4) Took keen hold, close up, pressed leader 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, just outpaced near finish, 2nd of 11, shd behind Brandywell Boy (8-7) at Kempton 6f clm (6) pol in Nov.
Brandywell Boy (IRE) 10-1 (8-11) Soon pushed along in rear, never in contention, 8th of 11, 7l behind The Game (9-6) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Russian Reel 33-1 (9-1) Tracked leaders, ridden over 1f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 12, 2 1/2l behind I Confess (8-10) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Bazguy 5-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, driven and no extra final furlong, 3rd of 7, 8l behind Came Back (8-10) at Southwell 6f clm (6) fbs.
Don Pele (IRE) 22-1 (8-12) Steadied start, held up mid-division, ridden 2f out, no impression on leaders over 1f out, 6th of 11, 4l behind Brandywell Boy (8-7) at Kempton 6f clm (6) pol in Nov.
Buy On The Red 12-1 (8-7) Prominent, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 8, 8l behind Orpenindeed (8-8) at Great Leighs 6f clm (5) pol in Nov.
Tender Process (IRE) 5-1 (8-10) Soon ridden along and keen after 1f, prominent, ridden 2f out, outpaced over 1f out, kept on well towards finish, 5th of 7, 2 1/2l behind Gold Express (8-12) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Nov.
Stagnite 22-1 (8-8) Always in rear, 16th of 17, 33l behind Danjet (9-1) at Chepstow 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jul.
