steadied start, held up in rear, headway over 3f out, challenged over 1f out, edged left inside final furlong, kept on
pushed along, always behind, no chance when hung right from over 1f out
soon chasing leader, led 5f out, pushed along and headed over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
always prominent, led well over 1f out, ran on
prominent, chased leader over 4f out, led over 2f out, headed well over 1f out, stayed on same pace
led, headed 5f out, weakened over 3f out
Nonrunner
HUCKING HEAT is the obvious form pick to land this opener at the expense of Prince Golan and Topenhall. The selection carries a six pound penalty for winning his latest race over course and distance. Connections are keen to reappear before the handicapper gets a chance to raise him and he therefore is potentially still well treated. He comes here in great form having won back to back races in October and is taken to enter the winners enclosure once again. Prince Golan is nicely treated on his old form. He was at one time thought good enough to contest in Group races and although he never reached that level and struggled to win races off a rating of 90 he has now slipped down to a realistic level to be competitive in these types of races. He was not beaten far over course and distance last time out and can once again be in the shake up. Topenhall won on the beach at Laytown in September. That form is never easy to read but he did follow up with a decent second on the all weather at Dundalk thereafter so has to be given respect having travelled such a long way.
Hucking Heat (IRE) 8-1 (10-13) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, led on bit just over 1f out, drew clear inside final furlong, easily, won at W'hampton 1m 1f amt hcp (5) pol beating Strike Force (10-4) by 7l, 13 ran.
Kings Topic (USA) 12-1 (8-12) In rear, ridden halfway, never dangerous, 7th of 8, 8l behind Vine Street (9-5) at Great Leighs 1m 2f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Topenhall (IRE) 4-1 (9-11) Chased leaders, led 2f out, soon headed, one pace, 6th of 14, 6l behind Hassanali (9-12) at Dundalk 1m 3f handicap pol.
Prince Golan (IRE) 14-1 (8-13) Mid-division, headway and effort over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 1/2l behind Bailieborough (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 1f app hcp (6) pol.
Summer Lodge 17-2 (9-13) Chased leader until ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 13, 8l behind Lady Pilot (10-0) at W'hampton 2m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Nov.
Briery Blaze 50-1 (8-3) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on, 11th of 13, 7l behind Avoca Dancer (8-10) at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-50 (6) pol in Mar.
Plush 4-1 (8-13) Dwelt, held up in rear, headway 2f out, ridden to lead and hung left inside final furlong, ran on well, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol beating Moscow Oznick (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.