close up in chasing group, effort from 2f out, every chance over 1f out, stayed challenging and every chance as winner ran green final furlong but found no extra and held towards finish
in touch in chasing group, behind final 5f
prominent in chasing group, behind final 5f
held up in rear, headway over 4f out, closed on clear leader over 3f out, led over 1f out, ran green and edged right final furlong but ran on well and in command towards finish
given at least 20 lengths advantage at start, reduced lead 4f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong
prominent in chasing group, pushed along 5f out, soon in rear
in touch in chasing group until lost place over 3f out
prominent in chasing group, outpaced final 3f
ran green in rear, headway 2f out, pushed along and stayed on steadily inside final furlong, promising effort
prominent in chasing group until weakened over 3f out
A race named in honour of the late, great David Nicholson was always likely to attract some quality entries and from a shortlist of WRONGWAYROUND, Tetlami, Jaques Vert and Sweet Irony it is Alan Swinbank's gelding that is tentatively selected. The selection made 72,000 guineas as a foal but was picked up for just 4,000 guineas as a two-year-old. He comes from a successful French family and his trainer is a master with bumper horses. Perhaps the fact that he hasn't brought a horse to contest a National Hunt race here in the last five seasons should be taken as a hint to his chance. Finger Spin represents a yard who finished the flat season in great nick, Vincitore is related to several winners on the flat, whilst Sweet Irony made ¿20,000 this year and represents a top yard who won this race last year. My Brother Sylvest was third to Tetlami at Exeter in October and has a 4lb pull in the weights and each looks a player on that form, whilst Jaques Vert has a nice flat pedigree and could represent a bit of value against some bigger yards. Bullring is another to consider, and the market will no doubt have its say, however in an open finale we will side with Wrongwayround.
Tetlami (IRE) 11-4fav (10-12) Always prominent, led 2f out, edged left inside final furlong, asserted towards finish, won at Exeter 1m 5f 3yo nhf (6) gd in Oct beating Massyoun (10-12) by 1 3/4l, 14 ran.
Bullring (FR) Green Tune gelding out of Capework.
Frankie Falco Bollin Eric colt out of Marsh Marigold.
Jaques Vert (FR) Dr Fong gelding out of Sayuri.
Kirkfield Droopy Beauchamp King gelding out of Masouri Sana.
My Brother Sylvest 50-1 (10-9) Mid-division on outside, headway after 5f, led 3f out, headed 2f out, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 14, 3 1/2l behind Tetlami (10-12) at Exeter 1m 5f 3yo nhf (6) gd in Oct.
Quahadi (IRE) Montjeu gelding out of Kicking Bird.
Sir Clad Fantastic Light gelding out of Katina.
Sweet Irony (FR) Laveron gelding out of Medicis.
Vincitore (FR) Starborough gelding out of Viva Vodka.
Wrongwayround (IRE) Barathea gelding out of Almansa.
Businessmoney Judi Kirkwall filly out of Cloverjay.
Finger Spin Vettori filly out of Light Hand.
Sacco D'oro Rainbow High filly out of Speedy Native.
Princess Bibi Generous filly out of Ombra Di Nube.
