always prominent, led over 3f out, hard ridden when challenged over 1f out, ran on well
chased leaders, went 2nd over 2f out, every chance entering final furlong, kept on same pace
awkward start and slowly into stride, outpaced in rear, lost touch over 3f out, remote 5th
chased leaders, soon pushed along, weakened over 2f out, moderate 3rd
led until over 3f out, soon under pressure, weakened over 1f out, modest 4th
Tartan Trip comes out best at the weights but last month's success at Wolverhampton was his first victory for over three years and he's unproven on the surface. Unlike BASINGSTOKE, who scored over track and trip last week by a cosy two lengths. Keith Dalgleish's charge looks a safer proposition and gets the nod. The remainder have a stack to find both on today's terms and on recent form, though Ishiamiracle won over a shorter trip here back in 2011.
Basingstoke (IRE) 25-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, effort on inside over 2f out, soon challenged, ridden to lead entering final furlong, stayed on well, won at Southwell 7f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs beating Victorian Number (9-7) by 2l, 7 ran.
Tartan Trip 9-2 (8-12) Held up in touch in last, ridden over 2f out, went 3rd and hung left over 1f out, one pace, 3rd of 4, 6l behind Big Baz (9-6) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Lenderking (IRE) 200-1 (8-7) Chased leaders centre group, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 8th of 9, 28l behind Alakhan (9-0) at Redcar 1m sell stks (5) gd in Sep.
Amber Moon 33-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, outpaced over 4f out, soon behind, 6th of 8, 24l behind Mataajir (9-4) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-52 (6) fbs.
Ishiamiracle 25-1 (8-12) Raced wide mid-division, ridden 3f out, not trouble leaders, 7th of 12, 12l behind George Benjamin (9-3) at Southwell 7f hcp (6) fbs in Dec.