tracked leader, ridden and every chance approaching 2 out, soon one pace
tracked leader until ridden and weakened 3 out
mid-division, ridden 3 out, kept on one pace
led until ridden and headed 2 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance 2 out, soon not pace of winner
always towards rear
held up, smooth headway to lead 2 out, shaken up approaching last, kept on well, comfortably
held up, ridden and weakened from 3 out
Nonrunner
REGENT'S SECRET goes well here and is worth a small punt on these terms. Double Vodka and Coconut Beach have fewer questions to answer than a number of the others, so are forwarded as the best of the rest. Coconut Beach joined his current yard after winning a seller at Uttoxeter in October. He has run consistently since then but doesn't appear to be especially well handicapped just now. Double Vodka is equally effective over fences and hurdles and, as a previous course and distance winner, he has to be respected. He is now 2lb lower than his last winning mark, so top weight may not be such a tough burden in this company. However, Regent's Secret, who arrives here on the back of a string of solid efforts, fits the bill on a number of levels and get the nomination today. Jim Goldie's charge is a strong finisher and we fancy he will be hard to resist if he runs to his best again.
Double Vodka (IRE) 6-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, outpaced 3 out, stayed on to go 2nd between last 2, 5 lengths down last, ridden and stayed on well flat, held towards finish, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Nelson du Ronceray (11-5) at Sedgefield 2m nov chs (4) sft in Jun.
Soubriquet (IRE) 16-1 (10-13) In touch when unseated rider at the 4th in race won by European Dream (11-4) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov, 11 ran.
Regent's Secret (USA) 14-1 (11-4) Towards rear when unseated rider at the 2nd in race won by Viper (11-5) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf, 15 ran.
Ecole D'Art (USA) 9-1 (10-13) Led, headed after 3 out, ridden and no extra from last, 3rd of 10, 15l behind Amazing King (10-12) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gf in Nov.
Sun King 5-2fav (10-7) Soon in touch, headway after 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Spare Me (10-13) at Market Rasen 2m 3f clm hdl (5) sft in Nov.
Programme Girl (IRE) 9-1 (10-6) Keen early, held up mid-division, blundered 3rd, weakened 3 out, soon tailed off, 10th of 13, well behind Tension Point (10-4) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Joe Jo Star 9-2jt-fav (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 5th, joined leader next, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 16, 17l behind Novarra (10-5) at Ludlow 2m cnd sll hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Valamareha (IRE) 25-1 (10-1) Mid-division best, ridden and no impression 2 out, 9th of 20, 23l behind Imperial Hills (10-8) at Punchestown 2m nov hcp hdl hvy in Nov.
Coconut Beach 16-1 (11-12) Held up, headway 4 out, driven and one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 10, 2l behind Heavenly Chorus (11-3) at Catterick 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd.
