chased leader, not fluent 6th, led 8th, not fluent 9th, headed 4 out, challenged 2 out, led flat, stayed on
held up in touch, not always fluent, challenged 9th, 3rd and beaten when mistake 2 out, no extra and mistake last
raced keenly, led, ridden after 2 out, headed flat, held towards finish
in touch on outside, not much room 5th, stumbled slightly and lost place, closed 8th, 4th and no extra 3 out, weakened before next
chased leaders, lost place 6th, behind from next
chased leaders on inside, not fluent 7th, ridden after 9th, hung left and lost place before 3 out, soon weakened
NonRunner
Uncle Jonty preserved an unbeaten record last time but was probably fortunate to do so and this looks a tough ask. Maid In Manhattan has a clear chance on the best of her form but was entered at Kelso on Monday and therefore there may be a question mark about her participation. She is a major player if taking her chance though. Mr Katanga is an interesting newcomer for a much-respected yard and Blossoming Forth has shown more than enough the last twice to be shortlist material with trip and ground to suit. However, THE WOLF (NAP) ran a cracking race last time in a hot Newbury handicap and is taken to go one better reverting to the novice ranks. Note Electron Bleu in the market on this return from wind surgery.
The Wolf (FR) 14-1 (10-2) Held up in mid-division, headway chasing leaders when not fluent 2 out, left in 3rd at the last, not much room between horses early run-in, squeezed through and went 2nd final 200 yards, no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 1 3/4l behind Dorking Boy (10-2) at Newbury 2m 5f hcp (2) sft in Dec.
Uncle Jonty (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Held up in touch on outside, headway 3 out, effort next, chased leader between last 2, soon ridden, 2 lengths down when left clear last, won at Kelso 2m 7f (4) hvy in Nov beating Vamanos (10-12) by 6l, 7 ran.
Electron Bleu (FR) 4-1jfav (12-0) Tracked leader, led 4 out, ridden and headed next, weakened last, 6th of 10, 16l behind Dubai Angel (11-12) at Wetherby 3m hcp (4) sft in Dec.
Mr Katanga (IRE) Flemensfirth gelding out of Pomme Tiepy.
Scottish Accent (IRE) Evens (11-11) Tr ldr, 3rd 1/2way, jnd ldrs aftr 3out, drpd to 3rd bef 2out, wknd frm last & drpd to 4th, 4th of 7, 5 1/2l behind Goulane Jessie (11-11) at Knockmullen House 3m mdn sft in Nov.
Blossoming Forth (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Led to 1st, with leader, ridden before last, kept on towards finish, 3rd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Glorious Lady (11-4) at Kelso 2m 5f (4) sft in Dec.
Maid In Manhattan (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Always behind, well beaten when fell 2 out, at Haydock 2m 3f lst (1) hvy in Dec.
