slowly into stride, in touch, ridden halfway, kept on same pace
dwelt, behind, stayed on from over 1f out, never dangerous
dwelt, always behind
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out
chased leaders, pushed along over 3f out, stayed on inside final furlong
mid-division, headway well over 2f out, stayed on
chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on well
with leaders, ridden over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong
chased leaders, every chance over 1f out, stayed on same pace
with leaders, no extra final furlong
in touch, chased leaders over 1f out, one pace
held up, ridden and no room over 1f out, and again when switched right inside final furlong, not recover
led, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra
The blinkers sparked HEREFORD BOY back to life last time and Dean Ivory's imposing gelding can get the job done today at the main expense of Highland Warrior, Dragon Flame and Make My Dream. The last-named is one of a handful of consistent performers in the line-up but like many he is hit by the handicapper as a result. Instead then, Hereford Boy, who has won off this mark before is fancied to go one better than at Lingfield last time. Highland Warrior and After The Show both know how to win in soft ground, whilst Feelin Foxy has run some good races lately without any success. Dragon Flame, Blessed Place and Killer Class have all tasted the champagne this season; however it is Hereford Boy who gets the nod.
Hereford Boy 9-2 (8-13) In touch, headway on inside over 1f out, led inside final furlong, headed close home, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Wibbadune (9-2) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Highland Warrior 6-1 (9-8) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway to chase winner inside final furlong, no extra close home, 3rd of 13, 2l behind Haajes (9-1) at Hamilton 5f hcp 0-80 (4) sft in Sept.
Shes Minnie 40-1 (8-9) In touch, weakened over 1f out, last of 16, 14l behind Kay Two (9-4) at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gs.
Angle of Attack (IRE) 4-1fav (9-2) Led, ridden over 1f out, fading when headed inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 3l behind Wibbadune (9-2) at Lingfield 5f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Make My Dream 5-2fav (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden to lead over 1f out, headed and not pace of winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Rocker (9-3) at Brighton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
King Of Swords (IRE) 11-2fav (8-13) Mid-division, soon ridden along, driven over 1f, stayed on towards finish, 5th of 13, 10l behind Invincible Lad (9-3) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
Cape Royal 8-1 (8-5) Slight lead to over 3f out, with leader, regained led inside final 2f, headed entering final furlong, no extra, 5th of 10, 3l behind Invincible Lad (8-13) at W'hampton 5f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Feelin Foxy 9-1 (9-0) Led far side group and overall leader, driven and edged right when headed over 1f, soon beaten, 10th of 14, 7l behind Rocker (8-10) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gs.
Matterofact (IRE) 3-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, driven to challenge over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 8, 3l behind Rocker (9-3) at Brighton 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gd.
Dragon Flame (IRE) 22-1 (9-3) Raced alone and overall leader far side, kept on well final furlong, won at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gs beating Sands Crooner (8-13) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Nickel Silver 9-2 (8-9) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, led briefly well inside final furlong, held towards finish, 2nd of 13, 1/2l behind Harlech Castle (9-0) at Nottingham 5f 3yo hcp (5) gs.
Killer Class 12-1 (7-13) Held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, kept on, 6th of 12, 3l behind Hotham (8-12) at Ayr 5f hcap (4) hvy in Sept.
Blessed Place 28-1 (8-12) Chased leaders to halfway far side, last of 14, 15l behind Rocker (8-10) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gs.
After The Show 13-2 (9-2) Held up, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 8l behind Barons Spy (9-3) at Bath 6f hcap (4) sft in Jun.
Kings College Boy 9-1 (8-8) Always rear division, 12th of 13, 15l behind Invincible Lad (9-3) at Southwell 5f hcp 0-70 (5) fbs.
