REGAL SWAIN went close at York on his handicap debut and today's drop in class can see him off the mark. He also ran well in soft ground before that and has more scope than the likes of Watts Up Son, who carries a penalty for his win at Carlisle and Hydrant, who is 11lb higher today than when scoring at Nottingham on his penultimate start. Shaloo Diamond needed 1m4f in testing going at Ripon to end his long losing run and Waltz Darling has yet to show any improvement for his slide down the weights.
Waltz Darling (IRE) 33-1 (8-8) Always behind, never a factor, 15th of 19, 45l behind Sam Nombulist (8-8) at York 7f hcp 0-95 (3) sft.
Watts Up Son 8-1 (8-13) Pushed along to lead, made all, soon clear until over 4f out, ridden well over 2f out, kept on, driven out, won at Carlisle 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) gs beating Painted Tail (9-1) by 1 1/4l, 11 ran.
Hydrant 13-2 (8-11) Took keen hold, chased leaders, led briefly over 3f out, chased winner, ridden and well held over 1f out, lost 2nd post, 3rd of 15, 4l behind Rio's Rosanna (9-6) at York 1m 4f app hcp 0-80 (4) sft.
Miss Blink 8-1 (9-1) In touch, ridden over 2f out, went 4th over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 8l behind Full Toss (8-10) at Ayr 1m 2f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in May.
Shaloo Diamond 17-2 (10-7) Steadied start, keen in rear, headway 3f out, led over 1f out, ran on readily, won at Ripon 1m 4f ldy hcp 0-65 (6) hvy beating Politbureau (9-9) by 3l, 11 ran.
Christmas Light 9-2 (9-1) Held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, chased leading pair from well over 1f out, no impression, 3rd of 12, 10l behind Valantino Oyster (9-1) at Redcar 1m 2f sell stks (6) gd in Oct.
Nolecce 28-1 (8-8) In touch, ridden 3f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 14, 10l behind Tilsworth Glenboy (9-9) at Nottingham 1m 2f hcp 0-75 (5) sft in May.
Lakeman (IRE) 33-1 (8-1) In touch, pushed along over 4f out, weakened 3f out, 10th of 15, 28l behind Rio's Rosanna (9-6) at York 1m 4f app hcp 0-80 (4) sft.
Regal Swain (IRE) 16-1 (8-10) Held up in mid-division, headway over 3f out, ridden to challenge approaching final furlong, kept on well, 3rd of 20, 2l behind Alfred Hutchinson (8-11) at York 1m app hcp 0-80 (4) gf in May.