led 1f, tracked leader, raced stands side over 1f out, soon ridden and weakened
held up in rear in 4th and keen, ridden to chase winner over 1f out and race stands side, no extra and lost 2nd final 100 yards
tracked leaders in 3rd, raced stands side and led over 1f out, pushed out, comfortably
dwelt, led after 1f, raced stands side over 1f out, soon ridden and headed, kept on to take 2nd final 100 yards
Nonrunner
Strike A Deal has more than two lengths to find on INDIAN VALLEY based upon their last appearance together at Yarmouth but carrying the same weights here it is hard to see a reversal in those positions. Indian Valley certainly enjoys softer going and receives the vote ahead of Mejd who is more of a fan of faster ground. Mason Hindmarsh won over course and distance last time and has to be considered whilst George Benjamin is not sure to appreciate this trip. Mark Twain should act on the ground conditions but will need to find some assistance from the application of first time blinkers to enter calculations. Indian Valley is the percentage call.
Mason Hindmarsh 4-1 (9-0) Chased leader, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, clear inside final furlong, stayed on strongly, won at Pontefract 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Sep beating Bold Marc (8-12) by 2l, 12 ran.
George Benjamin 4-1fav (8-12) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, stayed on well, never troubled winner, 2nd of 14, 1l behind Cara's Request (8-8) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Sep.
Indian Valley (USA) 5-4fav (8-3) Held up in 5th, headway on outside over 3f out, every chance 2f out, driven in 3rd and no impression final furlong, 3rd of 7, 2 1/2l behind State Visit (8-4) at Salisbury 1m 2f clm stks (5) sft in Sep.
Strike A Deal (IRE) 7-4fav (8-4) Mid-division, headway over 2f out, joined leaders 2f out, chased winner 1f out, no impression final furlong, 2nd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Indian Valley (8-11) at Yarmouth 1m 3yo clm (6) sft in Sep.
Mejd (IRE) 10-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, one pace when hung left over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 6, 11l behind Rare Tern (8-6) at Epsom Downs 1m 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Aug.
Our Boy Barrington (IRE) 5-1 (8-11) Held up towards rear, under pressure over 2f out, soon no impression, 7th of 11, 5l behind Master Mylo (8-13) at Sandown 7f 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Sep.
Mark Twain (IRE) 8-11fav (9-0) Tracked leaders, led over 2f out, ridden 1f out, soon under pressure, headed final 50 yards, kept on gamely towards finish, just held, 2nd of 5, ns behind Rockweiller (9-1) at Haydock 1m 2f 3yo & 4yo sll (4) sft in Sep.
Shethoughtshewas (IRE) 9-2 (9-6) Dwelt, held up towards rear, never a factor, 6th of 8, 14l behind Military Call (8-6) at Musselburgh 1m 3yo hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Aug.
