tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, soon one pace
slowly into stride, in rear, ridden halfway, headway under pressure 2f out, no impression after
soon led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
slowly into stride, headway and wide to chase leaders halfway, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, headway over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, just held
soon ridden along in rear
prominent, ridden to lead over 1f out, driven and all out
Natural Rhythm can land this at the expense of Tapas Lad and Silver Sprite. The selection has in the past shown some half decent form and has been running with credit this autumn without getting his head in front. His third to Chrystal Venture at Wolverhampton on his penultimate run was a fair effort and a return to that form would see him go well. Tapas Lad is less exposed and has again been in good form of late. He has had a string of thirds of late and although he has been running well he has never looked like winning. The handicapper has not been entirely fair to him either so life does not get any easier. Silver Sprite comes from an in form yard and although he has been beaten at big odds in his races this looks his easiest task to date so any market moves should be noted. But for the winner we return to Natural Rhythm.
Afton View (IRE) 66-1 (9-3) Held up, ridden over 3f out, kept on same pace final 2f, 8th of 16, 6l behind Generous Thought (9-3) at Pontefract 6f 2yo mdn (4) gf in Sept.
Natural Rhythm (IRE) 7-2 (9-7) In touch, ridden over 2f out, no impression over 1f out, 5th of 10, 7l behind Wiseman's Diamond (9-6) at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo hcp (6) pol.
Gunner Fly (IRE) 7-2 (9-6) Towards rear, progress over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, nearest finish, 6th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Bookish (9-6) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Tapas Lad (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) Prominent, chased leader 2f out, effort over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 9, 1l behind Ostinata (8-4) at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo hcp (6) pol.
Silver Sprite 33-1 (8-13) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, slightly outpaced, kept on inside final furlong, never troubled leaders, 8th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Bookish (9-6) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Grapes of Wrath (UAE) 8-1 (8-9) Prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, 10th of 12, 14l behind Kryptonite (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.
Kay One (IRE) 50-1 (8-3) Led until headed over 6f out, stayed prominent, weakening when hampered over 2f out, 8th of 9, 12l behind Ostinata (8-4) at W'hampton 1m 1f 2yo hcp (6) pol.
Ridgeway Jazz 25-1 (8-1) Towards rear, good headway over 1f out, not clear run, ran on well final furlong, 3rd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Kryptonite (9-3) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol.