chased leader far side, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, eased final furlong
chased winner stands' side, ridden 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
made all stands' side, ridden and hung left over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong
behind stands' side, ridden 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong
dwelt, in touch stands' side, not much room over 1f out, soon ridden, ran on well inside final furlong
mid-division, stands' side, effort over 2f out, no impression final furlong
chased leaders stands' side, ridden approaching 2f out, weakened final furlong
led far side, ridden over 2f out, hung badly right over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
towards rear stands' side, effort and not much room over 1f out, switched left entering final furlong, no extra inside
mid-division stands' side, never dangerous
A very competitive classified event that may fall to Highland Warrior, with Hout Bay and Paddywack suggested as the main rivals. It is hard to believe Jim Goldie's five-year-old has only one victory this season as he has put in some cracking performances in decent handicaps. His recent fourth to Northern Games was another example and if repeat of that effort could be good enough here. Paddywack and Hout Bay met at Ayr back in September on soft ground, with Hout Bay winning the race and Paddywack just a length and a half back in fourth. At today's weights there should be very little between them, although Paddywack is just preferred. Hout Bay's stable companion Kings College Boy is also in with a shout here, but Highland Warrior deserves reward for a consistent season and is given the nod.