tracked leader, led after 2f, driven over 1f out, headed approaching final furlong, kept on same pace
always rear division
led, headed after 2f and remained in touch, edged right under pressure 2f out, no extra final furlong
prominent, ridden along halfway, weakened over 1f
held up, headway over 2f, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, ran on
towards rear, soon chased along, effort over 2f out, some late headway, never reached challenging position
chased leaders to halfway
ELUSIVE WARRIOR can land the finale and is our selection, ahead of Smarty Socks and Dancing Deano. The selection carries a six pounds penalty for winning a similar race here on Tuesday, overturning form against similar rivals. That was a strong front running display, and although maybe not as well drawn here, may again try and dictate matters. Smarty Socks also runs under a penalty for winning a similar contest at Leicester last week having dropped down the handicap. Whether a quick re-appearance suits remains to be seen. Previously he's been unplaced in four runs on the all-weather. Dancing Deano returns to Southwell following five runs without a win at Wolverhampton. He does have course and distance form, and is Reg Hollinshead's only representative on the card. It's a competitive looking conclusion to proceedings, but we'll side with Elusive Warrior.
Whitbarrow (IRE) 8-1 (8-9) Led after 1f, headed over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong, 5th of 9, 7l behind Beat The Bell (8-4) at Great Leighs 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Oct.
Divertimenti (IRE) 12-1 (8-13) Held up, headway on rails over 1f out, soon ridden, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 11, 5l behind Shamrock Lady (8-13) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Oct.
Elusive Warrior (USA) 7-1 (8-12) Made all, driven and quickened over 1f out, ridden out final furlong, won at Southwell 7f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Oct beating Crocodile Bay (8-12) by 4l, 9 ran.
Dancing Deano (IRE) 11-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, led 3f out until headed close home, 2nd of 11, 3/4l behind A Big Sky Brewing (8-13) at W'hampton 7f hcap (6) pol in Sept.
Orpenella 22-1 (8-7) Chased leaders, ridden and edged right 2f out, soon weakened, 15th of 20, 12l behind Strawberry Moon (9-2) at Redcar 7f 3yo hcp (5) gd in Oct.
Smarty Socks (IRE) 33-1 (8-9) Close up, led over 1f out, ridden out, won at Leicester 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Oct beating Rosie Says No (8-5) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Royal Island (IRE) 25-1 (8-9) Always towards rear, 9th of 13, 11l behind It's A Dream (8-10) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct.
Paint Stripper 12-1 (8-5) Chased leaders, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 8, 36l behind Casino Night (8-11) at Hamilton 1m 3yo hcp (6) gs in Sept.
Kirkie (USA) 20-1 (8-13) Led early, in touch, ridden and weakened 4f out, last of 13, well behind Swords (9-1) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Aug.