Eljutan, Titian Flame and Deo Gratias are three against the field in a wide open handicap and the vote is given to Eljutan. The selection was a fair second behind Pardon What last time out and with the step up in trip looking to be in his favour he looks the value bet in an open affair. Titian Flame rates the main danger as he had every chance until falling last time out, if his confidence has not been effected he will not be far away. Deo Gratias is another that could go well on his latest second behind Lemon but he has yet to prove he stays this far. Jackie Boy has dropped to a handy mark and could go well at a price with his yard in form but he has not progressed as expected. Of the remainder Scarlet Fantasy is another that is well weighted on his best form but may just need the run after a 207 day absence and in a race where stakes should be kept to a minimum for the winner we return to Eljutan.
Scarlet Fantasy 20-1 (11-5) Chased leaders until weakened quickly 7th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Monger Lane (11-8) at Exeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) hvy in Apr, 8 ran.
Eljutan (IRE) 66-1 (10-13) Held up, headway 3 out, every chance last, stayed on one pace flat, 2nd of 17, 5l behind Pardon What (11-0) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gd.
Titian Flame (IRE) 10-1 (10-13) Held up, headway when fell 5 out in race won by Herne Bay (11-13) at Stratford 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gf in Jul, 15 ran.
Jackie Boy (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden 12th, headway 14th, chasing clear front trio when mistake 4 out, blundered badly next and weakened, 7th of 13, 43l behind Midnight Gunner (11-12) at Warwick 3m 2f hcp chs 0-100 (F) gd in Oct.
Deo Gratias (POL) 11-2 (10-9) Mid-division, headway 4th, ridden and every chance 2 out, faded, 2nd of 18, 7l behind The Hairy Lemon (10-13) at Towcester 2m amt hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gd in Oct.
Afeef (USA) 40-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, never near leaders, 10th of 17, 46l behind Pardon What (11-0) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gd.
Soroka (IRE) 18-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders, led after 5th, headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened and pulled up 2 out in race won by Angie's Double (10-5) at Market Rasen 2m 6f cnd sll hdl (G) gf in Jul, 14 ran.
Starry Mary 9-1 (10-0) Held up, ridden approaching 9th, soon struggling, tailed off, 9th of 11, well behind Marjina (11-12) at Uttoxeter 3m mrs hcp hdl (E) gs in Oct.
