close up, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, weakened final furlong
in rear, never in contention
tracked leader after 3f, led over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, soon headed and weakened
held up, ridden and headway entering final 2f, staying on when hampered and switched right final furlong
led, headed over 10f out, remain close up, lost action from 6f out, soon dropped to rear, virtually pulled up
mid-division, improved to 4th halfway, chased leader 3f out, ridden to lead and soon clear 2f out, ran on
in touch, ridden 3f out, weakened 2f out
in rear, ridden, wide and headway entering final 2f, chased winner and hung left inside final furlong, kept on same pace
tracked leader, led over 10f out, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
Nanton travels a long way for this outing in the best race of the night but with the trip perhaps a little on the sharp side for Jim Goldie's runner we instead prefer the chances the improved COEUR DE LIONNE while winning hurdler Dirar is also on the shortlist. The pick has displayed a progressive run of form in the last four starts since winning a Newmarket handicap over distance off a handy looking weight. He found just one too good last time out and if continuing on this upward curve he is still under a manageable burden. Nanton's last run was a solid effort in the Cesarewitch and he's generally run well in some valuable races this term but while he can go well over this sort of trip it seems bigger stamina tests are his forte. Dirar was a triple winner over timber this summer and his Irish flat form puts him in the picture here while Dance The Star ran well in defeat last time and should be close up again. Not an easy race to finish with but we¿ll just take Coeur De Lionne to score.
Nanton (USA) 28-1 (10-0) Behind, some late headway, never nearer, 9th of 32, 18l behind Darley Sun (8-6) at Newmarket 2m 2f hcp (2) gd in Oct.
Sgt Schultz (IRE) 20-1 (9-7) In touch, ridden 2f out, no impression, 5th of 9, 4l behind Bound By Honour (9-4) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Nov.
Laterly (IRE) 6-1 (8-11) Soon led, headed 1f out, kept on, 3rd of 9, 1/2l behind Merchant Of Dubai (9-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Nov.
Dance The Star (USA) 7-1 (8-5) Led, ridden and headway over 1f out, soon hampered, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 9, nk behind Merchant Of Dubai (9-4) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Nov.
Ladies Best 50-1 (8-1) Held up towards rear, effort over 2f out, never dangerous, 11th of 23, 15l behind Charm School (8-12) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp (2) sft in Nov.
Dirar (IRE) 10-1 (9-1) Soon mid-division, 7th approaching straight, ridden in 6th and no impression over 1f out, kept on, 5th of 14, 5l behind Gwens Spirit (8-11) at Dundalk 1m 3f Ext hcp pol in Nov.
Coeur de Lionne (IRE) 13-2 (9-8) Held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, driven and stayed on to take 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind King's Salute (8-11) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp (3) pol in Nov.
Mister New York (USA) 13-2 (9-6) Tracked leaders, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 12, 6l behind Tinshu (8-10) at Kempton 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.
Alpen Glen 7-1 (8-11) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 5th of 7, 16l behind Black Eagle (8-9) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Nov.
