in touch, headway 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, edged left and driven out
led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened 1f out
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance from over 1f out, not quicken near finish
in rear, headway when not clear run 1f out, ridden and ran on to go 3rd near finish
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on same pace
tracked leader, ridden to lead 2f out, headed 1f out, no extra
dwelt, raced wide in rear, never a factor
dwelt, took keen hold held up, ridden 2f out, not trouble leaders
Nonrunner
A race that revolves almost entirely around MATSUNOSUKE, who is given one more chance to show his capabilities. Ron Harris's eight-year-old was good enough to win a course and distance handicap off a mark of 102 in January, when still with Scobie Coogan. His new trainer got a tune out of him first time but it has been a tale of woe since and he now drops into this grade with a huge advantage at the weights if he can show some spark. Six Diamonds is in cracking form and could be the one to profit if our pick does not fire. Desperate Dan is another to short-list for prize money as this seems to be his grade and optimum trip, while Orpenindeed would want further to be seen to best effect.
Matsunosuke 18-1 (9-5) Always behind, last of 11, 14l behind Doric Lady (8-9) at Newbury 5f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Sep.
Victorian Bounty 16-1 (9-5) Pulled hard and prominent, lost place well over 2f out, last of 12, 13l behind Sheer Force (9-2) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Elhamri 11-2 (9-6) Towards rear, ridden 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, no impression, 5th of 12, 4l behind Angelo Poliziano (9-3) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Prince James 14-1 (9-4) Behind, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous, 9th of 10, 7l behind Rothesay Dancer (8-11) at Hamilton 5f hcp 0-65 (6) gs in Sep.
Royal Intruder 20-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, 6th 2f out, no impression from over 1f out, 7th of 14, 5l behind The Grey Rebel (9-8) at Dundalk 5f hcp 60-90 pol in Sep.
Six Diamonds 11-4 (8-4) Made all, came centre entering straight, ridden inside final furlong, held on, won at Wolverhampton 5f clm stks (5) pol in Sep beating Elhamri (8-8) by hd, 6 ran.
Ginobili (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) Took keen hold in touch, ridden and losing place when hampered inside final furlong, 10th of 12, 6l behind White Shift (9-2) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Sep.
Six Wives 66-1 (8-11) Held up towards rear far side group, ridden over 1f out, soon weakened, 18th of 19, 17l behind Mango Music (9-6) at Ayr 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Sep.
Titus Andronicus (IRE) 9-2 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, weakened final furlong, 6th of 9, 7l behind Lesley's Choice (9-0) at Musselburgh 5f clm stks (6) gs.
Orpenindeed (IRE) 9-2 (9-0) Made most, ridden 2f out, stayed on, won at Wolverhampton 6f clm stks (6) pol beating Vhujon (9-4) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
The Tatling (IRE) 16-1 (8-7) Dwelt in rear, not troubled leaders, 6th of 10, 5l behind Barons Spy (9-7) at Bath 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Sep.
Desperate Dan 2-1fav (9-0) Held up, ridden 2f out, kept on final furlong, never dangerous, 4th of 8, 3 1/2l behind Lesley's Choice (9-4) at Hamilton 5f clm stks (6) gd in Aug.
Flaxen Lake 5-1fav (9-7) Chased leaders, ridden over 3f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out, no extra well inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Grand Stitch (8-12) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
