It is hard to go against Flame Creek here and this one can land the hat-trick, Nawamees and Market Watcher look to be the main rivals. The selection has landed his last two races by a combination of no less than 23 lengths. The handicapper must be pulling his hair out over this improving ten-year-old and in this mood he cannot be opposed. Nawamees looks set for some more place following an excellent effort behind Captain General at Lingfield last time out. Market Watcher is also trying to make it three wins on the bounce following two comfortable coursed victories. The slight drop in trip shouldn't be a problem and another big run is expected. However Flame Creek has been a revelation this month and he can make it three wins in 16 days.
Kames Park (IRE) 14-1 (9-4) Always behind, 8th of 10, 19l behind Velvet Heights (9-7) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-95 (3) fbs.
Flame Creek (IRE) 3-10fav (10-1) Held up behind leaders, led 3f out, pushed clear 2f out, easily, won at Southwell 1m 6f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs beating Stolen Light (9-13) by 9l, 5 ran.
Nawamees (IRE) 6-1 (9-10) Held up, good headway 2f out, switched left to rails over 1f out, stayed on to lead final 100 yards, headed final strides, 2nd of 9, hd behind Captain General (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct.
Billich 11-8fav (10-0) Soon led, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 4l behind Salute (9-8) at W'hampton 2m 1f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Market Watcher (USA) 8-15fav (9-9) Held up going easily, led over 1f out, canter, won at W'hampton 2m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol beating Gallileo Figaro (9-4) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Newnham (IRE) 7-2 (9-8) Led after 2f, ridden, headed 3f out and soon weakened, 5th of 6, 19l behind Mr Excel (8-12) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Nov.
Saltrio 7-2 (9-9) In touch, headway 3f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on, 3rd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Hilltop Destiny (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcap (5) pol.
Mr Excel (IRE) 5-2 (8-7) Held up in rear, in touch, headway on outer over 2f out, disputed lead 1f out, every chance, not pace of winner inside final furlong, 3rd of 5, 2l behind High Point (9-3) at Kempton 2m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Nov.