tracked leaders in 4th, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on and just held close home
in rear, ridden over 3f out, never dangerous
held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, one pace in 3rd
tracked leaders, led over 5f out, ridden over 2f out, son pressed, kept on gamely, just held on close home
held up towards rear, headway over 4f out, ridden over 3f out, kept on and no impression over 1f out
always well behind, tailed off
with leader, hung left over 2f out, kept on same pace
led, headed over 5f out, weakened over 2f out
ROC DE PRINCE won this last year when 4lb higher in the ratings. He finished a long way behind Omid over a much longer trip at Pontefract on his return to the Flat but connections must think he can reverse that form here with Kenneth Slack's stayer, despite re-opposing on slightly worse terms - the booking of Simon Walker should help. Exclusive Contract won twice at Thirsk last year and generally competed at a higher level. She might need this but Serena Brotherton will give her every assistance from the saddle. Christmas Hamper is only modest but looks best of the rest.
Exclusive Contract (IRE) 33-1 (8-13) Held up towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, never dangerous, last of 7, 18 3/4l behind Night Generation (8-10) at Beverley 2m hcp (5) gf in Oct.
Stradater (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Led, headed over 7f out, tracked leader, weakened over 2f out, 13th of 14, 21 1/2l behind Tyrsal (9-5) at Leicester 1m 2f hcp (6) gd in Sep.
Roc De Prince 14-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 10, 14l behind American Life (8-7) at Pontefract 2m 6f hcp (5) sft in Apr.
Christmas Hamper (IRE) 9-1 (9-1) Led, hard ridden when headed over 2f out, rallied over 1f out, kept on same pace, 6th of 10, 7 1/4l behind Mcvicar (8-11) at Thirsk 1m 4f hcp (6) gd in Apr.
New Colours 33-1 (8-5) Always towards rear, last of 9, 20l behind Nonagon (8-7) at Hamilton 1m 3f hcp (5) sft in May.
Omid 6-1 (8-7) Led, ridden and headed approaching 2f out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 10, 6l behind American Life (8-7) at Pontefract 2m 6f hcp (5) sft in Apr.
Byronegetonefree 80-1 (10-12) In rear, mistake 3 out, hit 2 out, never dangerous, 6th of 8, 24 1/4l behind Townshend (11-5) at Perth 2m (4) gd in Apr.
Troy Boy 33-1 (8-7) Led after 1f, headed 5f out, lost place over 3f out, soon behind, tailed off, last of 10, dist behind Nice Vintage (8-7) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp (5) gf in Apr.
