tracked leader, lost 2nd over 5f out until regained 2nd over 4f out, ridden over 2f out, soon led, idled final 50 yards, driven out
held up towards rear, headway on outer over 7f out, went 2nd over 5f out until over 4f out, weakened from 3f out, eased over 1f out
very slowly away, in rear, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous
led, ridden over 2f out, soon headed, switched left final 50 yards, stayed on towards finish
dwelt, in touch, effort over 3f out, kept on same pace
towards rear, effort over 2f out, never dangerous
very slowly away, behind, headway 3f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace, no impression
Amazing King has shown improved form over jumps this year and is rated higher over hurdles than both Barliffey and Grandad Bill, who are also returning to the Flat. King's Counsel has won twice this season in between some distinctly modest efforts like his fifth at Ripon recently. Parc Des Princes still looks a shade high in the weights so the vote goes to BENEATH. He raced too keenly for his own good when fourth in an amateurs' race over C&D last time with a below-par Birkside well behind, but he may last home today if Phillip Makin can restrain him in the early stages.
Amazing King (IRE) 14-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, driven along on inside over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 14, 7l behind Home Advantage (9-3) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Sep.
Barliffey (IRE) 6-1 (9-10) Slowy away, held up behind and keen, ridden over 1f out, no impression, 6th of 11, 9l behind Naheell (8-10) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Nov.
Mainland (USA) 25-1 (9-4) Held up in rear, effort 3f out, weakened 2f out, 12th of 16, 23l behind Mcbirney (9-2) at Haydock 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in May.
King's Counsel (IRE) 9-2 (9-1) Tracked leader after 1f, ridden to lead briefly over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 8, 15l behind Fossgate (8-1) at Ripon 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Parc Des Princes (USA) 13-2 (9-2) Awkward start, held up in rear, behind over 4f out, ridden over 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong, no chance, 7th of 10, 9l behind Ghufa (9-4) at Musselburgh 1m 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gd.
Grandad Bill (IRE) 6-1 (9-1) Held up towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on, 4th of 13, 4l behind Kiama Bay (9-2) at Ayr 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) sft in Oct.
Beneath 15-2 (9-4) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, improved over 2f out, no extra well inside final furlong, 4th of 12, 4l behind Patavium (10-6) at Musselburgh 1m 4f ladies hcp 0-70 (5) gd.
Birkside 18-1 (9-9) Mid-division, ridden and effort over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 10th of 12, 23l behind Patavium (10-6) at Musselburgh 1m 4f ladies hcp 0-70 (5) gd.