slowly into stride, in rear, ridden and outpaced over 4f out, stayed on final 2f
held up towards rear, ridden over 4f out, soon outpaced, kept on final 2f
led for 1f, tracked leader, ridden and not much room over 2f out, ran on to lead last 100 yards
led after 1f, ridden and headed over 2f out, regained lead over 1f out, headed last 100 yards, no extra towards finish
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
chased leaders, led over 2f out, soon ridden, headed over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong
mid-division, soon pushed along and ran green, lost place over 3f out
in touch, weakened over 2f out
Maslak doesn't look the most straight-forward of horses but connections will be disappointed if he cannot land the spoils in this contest and he gets the vote ahead of debutante Officer and potential improver Elounda. Ed Dunlop's charge was still very green when last seen at Lingfield when possibly not lasting home over an extra couple of furlongs. Now dropped back in trip, the In The Wings gelding should have come on for that reappearance and looks the solid call. Officer warrants plenty of respect given his trainer's impressive record at the course however it will be interesting to see if this is his ideal trip as it may just stretch his stamina. Watch the market is the advice there. Hannicean should be wiser for his debut and his trainer is sure to have him fit after his break, however once again stamina isn't assured on breeding and for that reason he is opposed. Barry Hills has his stable in good form at present and therefore Inchlaggan warrants plenty of respect as he looks sure to improve for this step up in trip so is certainly one for the shortlist, however for the winner we will give Maslak another chance and side with him to land the spoils.
Good Cause (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Soon led, headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 9th of 20, well behind Hollywood Law (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f mdn hdl sft in Nov (N.Hunt).
Wolds Way 11-1 (9-12) Tracked winner, ridden halfway, weakened 4f out, 4th of 8, 24l behind Actodos (8-6) at Southwell 1m 4f mdn aut stk (5) fbs.
Hannicean 33-1 (9-0) Close up, ridden and stayed on same pace final 2f, 5th of 19, 3l behind Mr Napper Tandy (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (5) sft in Oct.
Inchlaggan (IRE) 6-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden to challenge over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 16, 10l behind Tredegar (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn auc (4) gs in Oct.
Just Two Numbers 22-1 (9-3) Slowly into stride, held up, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 12th of 14, 13l behind Desert Dew (9-3) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn (4) sft in Sept.
Maslak (IRE) 7-2 (9-3) Led and set steady pace, ridden and quickened over 2f out, easily headed over 1f out, soon outpaced by winner, kept on well for 2nd, 2nd of 4, 5l behind Wandle (9-3) at Lingfield 1m 4f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Mar.
Officer Medicean colt, half-brother to 7f-1m1f winner Battle Chant.
Elounda (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, pushed along halfway, soon no impression, 8th of 20, 11l behind Measured Tempo (9-0) at Newmarket 7f 2yo mdn fll (5) sft in Oct.
