raced wide early, led, ridden over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, stayed on to just hold on to 2nd
prominent, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on
tracked leaders, headway on outer to dispute 2nd over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on one pace
NonRunner
BALLYMORE CASTLE has a leading chance on these terms as he drops down in class and Richard Fahey’s charge gets the vote. De Little Engine is less exposed but was well beaten in maiden company on his reappearance and Bernie's Boy is preferred having finished runner-up in a claiming race at Southwell last time. Haraz ran well at Lingfield recently but hasn’t won anywhere in 30 starts now while Dream Star has plenty to find at the weights.
Bernie's Boy 7-2fav (9-3) Chased winner, ridden and no impression from over 1f out, 2nd of 10, 1 3/4l behind Newstead Abbey (9-3) at Southwell 6f stks (6) pol in Dec.
Ballymore Castle (IRE) 15-2 (9-3) Prominent when not much room on inside over 6f out, tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace from over 1f out, 5th of 10, 4 3/4l behind Rouge Nuage (9-2) at Wolverhampton 7f hcp (4) pol in Dec.
Haraz (IRE) 7-2 (9-0) Close up in rear, ridden and headway entering final furlong, went 2nd near finish, no threat to winner, 2nd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Dutiful Son (9-10) at Lingfield 7f stks (6) pol in Dec.
De Little Engine (IRE) 28-1 (9-5) In touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 14 1/2l behind Delilah Park (9-0) at Wolverhampton 7f mdn stks (5) pol in Nov.
Dream Start 25-1 (9-7) Soon ridden along on rear, driven and effort over 2f out, no impression from over 1f out, 7th of 13, 6 1/2l behind Breathoffreshair (9-0) at Newcastle 6f hcp (6) pol in Nov.