dwelt, in rear, ridden over 2f out, switched left over 1f out, ran on final furlong, just failed
held up, effort 3f out, weakened 1f out
made all, ridden 2f out, just held on
always in rear
tracked winner after 2f, ridden 2f out, stayed on one pace final furlong
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, stayed on towards finish
If Medicinal Compound is fully wound up after a 10-month break then he could ask a few questions from a mark of 78 in this, but SQUALL will take some beating. Jeremy Noseda's gelding won a course and distance maiden in July and ran very well in defeat on his handicap debut at Sandown last time. From 1lb higher he has a great chance today. Tukitinyasok was staying on well when scoring at Newcastle over 7f so this step up in trip looks a positive and he is respected, while Shethoughtshewas would be interesting if backed on her handicap introduction. Squall is a confident choice. (Jonathan Doidge)
Squall 3-1fav (9-4) Held up in close 5th, chased winner from well over 1f out, ridden to challenge and hanging in behind winner when struck on head by winning rider's whip 1f out, one pace and no impression inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, 3/4l behind Tartan Trip (9-5) at Sandown 1m hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jul.
Medicinal Compound 5-2fav (9-3) Chased leaders, led over 3f out, strongly pressed inside final furlong, held on gamely near finish, all out, won at Redcar 1m 2yo mdn aut (6) gf in Oct beating Fourth Generation (9-3) by shd, 17 ran.
Raqeeb (USA) 9-1 (9-6) Tracked leading pair, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace under pressure final furlong, no extra and lost 3rd final 75 yards, 4th of 7, 3 1/2l behind Christmas Carnival (9-7) at Haydock 1m 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) sft.
Tukitinyasok (IRE) 40-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, ridden over 1f out, stayed on under pressure inside final furlong, led towards finish, won at Newcastle 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gf beating Rosko (9-7) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Master Of Dance (IRE) 20-1 (8-13) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, not clear run and switched right inside final furlong, kept on, 4th of 7, 4l behind Don't Call Me (9-4) at Ayr 1m 3yo hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Jul.
Bin Shamardal (IRE) 5-1 (9-4) Went left and bumped start, led and keen, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, last of 7, 8l behind Sooraah (8-13) at Sandown 1m 3yo hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jul.
Koo And The Gang (IRE) 22-1 (8-9) Took keen hold in last pair, modest late headway, never on terms, 6th of 11, 9l behind State Fair (9-1) at Thirsk 1m 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Shethoughtshewas (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, no impression, 5th of 8, 10l behind Nimue (9-0) at Thirsk 7f fll mdn stks (4) gf in Jul.