led 1f, in touch, ridden 3f out, switched right 2f out, chased winner just inside final furlong, stayed on
led after 1f, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leaders, led and hung left 2f out, driven out
held up in touch, reminders 7f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
always in rear
held up in rear, good headway on inside 3f out, ridden to press winner over 1f out until just inside final furlong, no extra
with leader until ridden over 3f out
slowly into stride, always in rear
SHIFTING GOLD looked mildly progressive when last seen on the level and may be up to landing this from Strikemaster and Charging Indian. Kevin Ryan's charge was last seen on the level winning in good style on the turf, but with winning form at Southwell in the locker this change in surfaces shouldn't be a problem. Nor should the step back from 12 to 11 furlongs as he's won over a mile, so providing he's recovered from a laboured attempt over hurdles when last seen we fancy him to defy a mark of 69. Strikemaster represents in-form connections and had been running well prior to a disappointing effort when last out in September. In fairness, that was in an above-average novice hurdle so can be ignored, and with the gelding's last effort having been a solid second over two miles at Nottingham he looks to hold claims. Of course, this significant drop in distance is of some concern, but he looks to have the pace to cope and should also be able to adapt to Fibresand at the first time of asking. Charging Indian completes the shortlist having won over course and distance back in October. That victory came off a mark of 63 but the manner of it suggested this 4lb higher mark wouldn't prove too troublesome. Granted, he's thrown in a couple of disappointing efforts since, but last time's close-up third was encouraging and perhaps he's ready to return to form. Laureldeans Best doesn't look thrown-in off this mark of 62 on her handicap debut, but she's worth a market check anyway with course form in the bag, as is Criterion who represents in-form connections who know the time of day. Highland River has solid course form and won well enough last time but this demands more under a penalty, Bosamcliff has won here but may struggle off this mark against some interesting rivals, whilst Irish raider Uncle Bunge is a fascinating contender who should be noted in the betting. All eight must have some sort of chance here but the best of them may be Shifting Gold.
Bosamcliff (IRE) 15-2 (9-2) Mid-division, stayed on final furlong, never nearer, 7th of 9, 4 1/2l behind Gargano (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 4f hacp 0-70 (5) pol.
Shifting Gold (IRE) 7-2fav (9-4) Soon led, headed over 2f out, rallied and led again inside final furlong, ridden out, won at Newcastle 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Sep beating Shekan Star (9-7) by 2 1/2l, 11 ran.
Charging Indian (IRE) 12-1 (9-3) Held up behind, headway to chase leader 3f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on and every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 9, 1l behind Dream In Blue (9-7) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) fbs.
Criterion 12-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, outpaced over 6f out, stayed on from over 1f out, went 4th inside final furlong, no threat, 4th of 10, 8l behind Ours (8-12) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Dec.
Strikemaster (IRE) 11-8fav (9-1) Dwelt, held up in rear, good headway from well over 2f out, soon ridden, hung left, bumped winner, every chance well over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Winterbrook King (8-4) at Nottingham 2m 3yo hcp 0-60 (6) hvy in Jul.
Laureldeans Best (IRE) 11-2 (8-12) Prominent, led over 9f out, ridden and headed entering final furlong, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 9, 1 3/4l behind Ask The Oracle (9-3) at Southwell 1m 3f mdn stks (5) fbs.
Highland River 20-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders, hard ridden approaching final furlong, stayed on under pressure to lead towards finish, all out, won at Southwell 1m 3f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs beating Silken Promise (9-4) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Uncle Bunge (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Rear of mid-division, ridden into 7th 2f out, moderate 6th 1f out, no extra final furlong, 8th of 14, 14l behind Solo Performer (9-9) at Down Royal 1m 5f app hcp 47-65 in Sep.
