tracked leaders, under pressure over 2f out, chased leader over 1f out, hard ridden and ran on to lead well inside final furlong
with leader, raced freely, led over 3f out, hard ridden over 1f out, headed and no extra towards finish
chased leaders, outpaced over 2f out, soon no impression
steadied start, held up in touch, took keen hold, headway over 2f out, soon not clear run, rallied to chase leaders approaching final furlong, stayed on well
led, soon pressed, pushed along over 4f out, headed over 3f out, weakened quickly over 2f out, eased
Pearl Nation has been in fine form at Southwell but a 7lb rise for an earlier win proved beyond him last time and ENERGIA FLAVIO is just preferred. Marco Botti's charge began life in this country off a 9lb higher mark and drops down a grade after a third at Lingfield. He has the beating of Silverware, Santefisio and Haaf A Sixpence, though the latter has yet to show his best form since returning from an absence and is capable of going close on his day.
Pearl Nation (USA) 11-8fav (9-7) Chased leaders, hard driven to challenge over 2f out, stayed on well closing stages, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Starfield (8-5) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-95 (3) fbs.
Energia Flavio (BRZ) 8-1 (8-7) Led, ridden and headed 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 6, 2 1/4l behind Brocklebank (8-5) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp (2) in Dec.
Haaf A Sixpence 20-1 (9-0) Led early, in touch, headway 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, soon every chance until winner quickened by inside final furlong, weakened soon after, 6th of 9, 8l behind Melvin The Grate (8-9) at Lingfield 1m hcp (2) pol in Dec.
Santefisio 10-1 (9-0) Steadied start, held up towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, hampered on inside over 2f out, some headway under pressure over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong, 8th of 9, 13l behind Melvin The Grate (8-9) at Lingfield 1m hcp (2) pol in Dec.
Silverware (USA) 22-1 (9-0) Raced wide close up, ridden 2f out, led briefly inside final furlong, no extra towards finish, 5th of 12, 2 1/4l behind Rich Again (8-7) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) in Dec.