mid-division, headway 3f out, chased winner 2f out, gaining, not reached
held up, ridden and headway over 2f out, hung left over 1f out and no impression
led, headed over 3f out and weakened
awkward leaving stalls, pulled hard, ridden over 2f out, weakened quickly
slowly into stride, keen, never a danger
held up, never a factor
keen, ridden and some progress 2f out
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened over 2f out,
tracked leader, with leader 6f out, led over 3f out, soon clear and pushed out
tracked leaders, lost place halfway, ridden and headway when hanging from over 1f out, but never dangerous
ZALKANI could not be in better form and he can land the finale; Jim Martin and Thorny Mandate rate as the main dangers. The selection has won his last two races in good style and he beat Thorny Mandate here last time. He appeared to win with a bit in hand and he looks sure to go close on his hat-trick bid. Thorny Mandate is respected though here as he has the best of the draw and has since been out and run a solid race in defeat at Chester. Jim Martin looked a thorough stayer when winning over 1m2f on heavy ground last time and this step-up in trip should play to his strengths. Fenners has gone well here in the past and the yard like a tilt at the ring so he is one to note in the market. A competitive event to close the card and the vote is given to Zalkani who can continue his hot streak.
Calzaghe (IRE) 14-1 (8-8) Keen, close up, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 11, 4l behind Apache Fort (8-13) at Newmarket 1m 4f clm (4) gf in Sept.
Penang Cinta 12-1 (8-12) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, every chance entering final furlong, kept on, soon no chance with winner, 2nd of 12, 5l behind Shimoni (9-6) at Goodwood 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Sept.
Rare Coincidence 5-1 (9-10) Led, headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 4th of 7, 15l behind Silver Seeker (8-7) at Musselburgh 2m app hcp (6) gf in May.
Jim Martin 80-1 (8-10) Chased leader, led 3f out, headed over 1f out, rallied to regain lead towards finish, won at Ayr 1m 2f sll (4) hvy in Sept beating Resonate (9-2) by a hd, 10 ran.
Ryan's Future (IRE) 5-1 (9-6) Pulled hard, raced wide in mid-division, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 11, 10l behind Kimono My House (9-1) at Leicester 1m 2f app hcp (5) hvy in Sept.
Zalkani (IRE) 9-2 (9-3) Steadied start, held up, headway 3f out, led over 1f out, ridden out, won at W'hampton 1m 4f hcap (6) pol in Sept beating Thorny Mandate (9-4) by 2l, 11 ran.
Thorny Mandate 9-1 (8-9) Dropped in start, held up, headway 3f out, ridden to go 2nd 1f out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Blimey O'Riley (9-7) at Chester 1m 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Sept.
Fenners (USA) 14-1 (10-13) Towards rear, effort over 3f, never troubled leaders, 7th of 13, 13l behind Kingsholm (11-1) at Beverley 1m 2f amt hcp (6) sft in Sept.
Summer Lodge 14-1 (9-5) Held up mid-division, headway over 2f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 11, 4l behind Chookie Hamilton (9-4) at Musselburgh 1m 4f hcap (6) sft in Sept.
River Kent 10-3fav (8-8) In touch and keen, effort to chase leader over 1f out, every chance final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 9, 1/2l behind Right Option (9-11) at W'hampton 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Sept.
