chased leaders, ridden to chase leader 3f out, ridden and soon every chance, kept on same pace final furlong
tracked leaders, lost place 7f out
with leader, led 5f out, ridden and headed 2f out, soon weakened
in rear, behind final 4f, tailed off when pulled up 2 out
raced wide, in rear, behind final 4f
held up, smooth headway to track leaders over 3f out, led on bit 2f out, ridden out final furlong
chased leaders, chased leader 4f out until 3f out, kept on one pace
held up, ridden 4f out, never dangerous
soon led, headed 5f out, ridden and weakened 4f out
Nonrunner
Night Warrior gets the narrow vote over Spanish Star and Dimashq in another moderate contest. The selection is back on the level after a run over hurdles at Ludlow and after winning over 1m here recently he may be worth following. He had the blinkers on that day which seemed to work the oracle, they are on again here today, and with this step-up in trip in his favour he looks the one to be with. Spanish Star would have claims on the pick of his form but he ran too badly to be true last time and for that reason he can't be backed with any confidence. Dimashq was disappointing when last seen out but he has been given a nice break since then, and although he has yet to prove his effectiveness on the all-weather, it might be a bit early to give up on him just yet. Reflex Blue returns to the level after a spell over fences and could have a place chance, but Night Warrior has plenty going for him here and gets the vote.
Bill Bennett (FR) 5-1 (9-5) Tracked leaders, ridden over 5f out, soon weakened, 8th of 11, 41l behind Ice And Fire (9-3) at Southwell 1m 6f stk (7) fbs in Nov.
Brother Cadfael 16-1 (8-10) Tracked winner until weakened over 3f out, 6th of 7, well behind Given A Chance (8-10) at Yarmouth 2m stk (7) gd in Apr.
Gravardlax 25-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride, reluctant to race, soon ridden in rear, never nearer, 10th of 15, 13l behind Summerise (9-11) at Yarmouth 1m 2f hcp (6) gf in Jun.
Night Warrior (IRE) 5-1 (8-12) Held up, headway over 3f out, edged left inside final furlong, driven and led near finish, won at Southwell 1m Stks (36-40) (7) fbs beating Jacks Delight (8-12) by a hd, 13 ran.
Reflex Blue 12-1 (9-3) Chased leader, led over 5f out, ridden over 2f out, edged right and headed over 1f out, one pace, 3rd of 12, 15l behind Johnny Rook (9-10) at W'hampton 1m 6f app hcp (6) pol in Aug.
Spanish Star 10-1 (8-13) Always in rear, 7th of 10, 28l behind Mickmacmagoole (8-9) at Southwell 1m 3f stk (7) fbs.
Dimashq 17-2 (8-9) Took keen hold in rear, headway 9f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 10th of 12, 42l behind Tycheros (8-4) at W'hampton 1m 4f stk (7) pol in Oct.
Tiegs (IRE) 33-1 (8-11) Held up in touch, ridden to chase leaders 3f out, weakened and eased, 9th of 11, 25l behind Pharaoh Prince (9-9) at W'hampton 1m 4f stk (7) pol in Oct.