led, headed over 4f out, weakened 3f out
tracked leaders, joined leader 4f out, clear with leader 3f out, led on bit 2f out, ran on, comfortable
in rear, headway 5f out, ridden over 3f out, never a factor
raced wide, held up in touch in rear, pushed along 4f out, never a factor
dwelt, soon close up, ridden to chase clear leading pair over 2f out, not trouble leaders
tracked leader, led over 4f out, soon joined, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on one pace
held up, ridden and outpaced over 3f out
HIGH COMMAND (NAP) will likely start a hot favourite once again having won a handicap over 1m4f here last time with the minimum of fuss. This longer trip should bring further improvement from Roger Varian’s charge and he can confirm running with Captain Swift, Deep Resolve and Come Back King. Marshall Aid has been threatening over similar trips at Wolverhampton and Chelmsford last time and looks a bigger danger than the struggling Yul Finegold, a previous course winner.
Yul Finegold (IRE) 100-1 (8-10) Mid-division, pushed along and weakened over 3f out, soon behind, 12th of 14, 19 1/4l behind Purple Rock (9-0) at Newcastle 1m 2f hcp (4) pol in Nov.
High Command (IRE) 5-4fav (9-3) Prominent, led over 6f out, ridden 3f out, driven out, won at Southwell 1m 4f hcp (5) pol in Nov beating Safira Menina (10-0) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Deep Resolve (IRE) 12-1 (9-9) Close up, headway over 4f out, ridden and no impression from over 1f out, 5th of 12, 4 1/2l behind High Command (9-3) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Captain Swift (IRE) 14-1 (9-2) Towards rear, ridden 3f out, headway under pressure over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 12, 3 3/4l behind High Command (9-3) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Marshall Aid (IRE) 15-8fav (9-7) Led, ridden and headed approaching final furlong, chased winner, just held on for 2nd post, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Bracken Brae (9-13) at Chelmsford City 1m 5f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Come Back King (IRE) 9-1 (9-4) Close up, ridden 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 12, 7 1/4l behind High Command (9-3) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Albert Boy (IRE) 22-1 (8-12) Close up, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 11, 12 3/4l behind Barista (8-12) at Southwell 1m hcp (6) pol in Nov.