raced in mid-division, ridden before 2 out, stayed on one pace
raced handy, took lead before 2 out travelling strongly, clear advantage after 2 out, went away after last, comfortably
led, ridden and headed before 2 out, plugged on one pace
raced in mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden before 2 out, stayed on after 2 out but no match for winner
raced in mid-division, ridden before 2 out, plugged on one pace
held up, losing ground and ridden from 4 out, plugged on, no impression
tracked leader, losing ground rapidly and ridden from 3 out, no response, pulled up before 2 out
held up, losing ground and ridden from 4 out, plugged on, no impression
NonRunner
NORLEY has been brought along impressively by Ben Pauling and duly rewarded the yard with a best performance yet when scoring at Stratford last time. His previous runner-up effort was a strong piece of form at the level too and he seems sure to prove competitive here off just a 3lb higher mark - and with further progress anticipated. Amelia's Dance is an ideal conveyance in races of this sort and the Walford mare is also expected to go really well after only being beaten just over a length at Kempton latest .The top two may need the run but Noble Savage shaped well on reappearance for this pilot and completes the shortlist for a yard in a good spell of form.
Majestic Merlin 9-1 (11-11) Held up in touch, tracked leaders travelling strongly 4 out, driven 2 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 17, 4l behind Thinque Tank (10-2) at Ludlow 2m hcp (5) sft in Mar.
Norley (IRE) 11-8fav (11-12) Made all, ridden off home turn, stayed on strongly, unchallenged, won at Stratford 2m 3f hcp (5) gd in Oct beating Rebel Royal (11-2) by 1 3/4l, 9 ran.
Amelia's Dance (IRE) 3-1fav (11-0) Chased leaders, went 2nd at 3rd, pushed along before 2 out, ridden and lost 2nd between last two, kept on well in 3rd run-in, 3rd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Kensington Art (11-8) at Kempton 2m hcp (4) gd in Nov.
Noble Savage (IRE) 13-2 (11-12) Raced keenly tracking leaders, led and hit 2 out, ridden and headed before last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 7 1/2l behind Naturally High (11-0) at Lingfield 2m hcp (5) sft in Oct.
Sarceaux (FR) 13-2 (11-7) Chased leaders, not fluent 1st, fell next, at Stratford 2m hcp (5) gd in Oct.
Ascot Day (FR) 20-1 (11-8) Held up towards rear, some headway before 3 out, lost place and not fluent 2 out, soon behind, 8th of 12, 28 1/2l behind Kilchreest Moon (10-11) at Stratford 2m 3f hcp (5) gd in Oct.
Gaelic Thunder 250-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, lost place before 5th, well beaten 3 out, hampered by loose horse 2 out, 10th of 15, dist behind Brief Times (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f (3) gs in Nov.
New Zealander 17-2 (10-13) Rear of mid-division, pushed along after 5th, well beaten from next, pulled up before 2 out, at Newton Abbot 2m 2f hcp (5) gd in Sep.
Peloric 11-2 (11-9) Chased leader, led 4 out, headed flat, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 12, 1 1/4l behind Orchard Grove (10-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Apr.
