disputed lead until ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong
tracked leading pair, effort over 1f out, ridden to lead and edged left inside final furlong, ran on
led to post, keen, in touch, ridden 2f out, headway when edged left approaching final furlong, kept on same pace
dwelt, in rear, ridden 2f out, never a factor
pushed along to disputed lead until led over 1f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, kept on
in touch, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, no impression inside final furlong
close up, ridden 2f out, stayed on one pace final furlong
towards rear, ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, not trouble leaders
in rear, ridden over 1f out, never on terms
towards rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, nearest finish
Pearl Noir won at Ripon in May but has not raced since June. Compton River has been thereabouts since scoring at Catterick earlier but is now 12lb higher and CRUISE TOTHELIMIT is preferred. The latter posted a better effort when runner-up back on this surface ahead of Noble Asset and Air Of York and it could be his turn today. Tavener went close in this grade at Newcastle last time and the veteran Desert Strike could bounce back at any time.
Pearl Noir 20-1 (8-10) Led, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra, 6th of 9, 6 1/2l behind Oh So Sassy (9-12) at Doncaster 5f hcp (4) gf in Jun.
Compton River 5-2fav (9-7) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead and edged left over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 5th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Robbian (8-7) at Catterick 5f hcp (6) sft in Oct.
Noble Asset 9-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, driven 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, no imrpession, 4th of 11, 1 1/4l behind Zipedeedodah (9-3) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Roaring Rory 8-1 (9-0) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, soon headed, kept on, 3rd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Flowing Clarets (8-10) at Thirsk 5f stks (6) sft in Aug.
Lady Nayef 7-1 (9-3) Prominent, outpaced over 2f out, well beaten from over 1f out, 8th of 9, 7 1/2l behind Dreams Of Glory (9-1) at Windsor 5f hcp (5) sft in Oct.
Cruise Tothelimit (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) Mid-division, driven to chase leaders inside final 2f, ridden and kept on well inside final furlong, took 2nd final strides, no impression with winner, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Zipedeedodah (9-3) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Desert Strike 33-1 (9-4) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 10th of 14, 12 1/4l behind Vincenzo Coccotti (9-4) at Chelmsford City 7f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Harmonic Wave (IRE) 100-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, outpaced 2f out, ridden and lost place over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 11th of 12, 11 1/2l behind Manatee Bay (9-7) at Newcastle 6f hcp (5) pol in Nov.
Regal Miss 10-3 (9-4) Tracked leading pair, ridden halfway, kept on one pace, 3rd of 7, 3 3/4l behind Vale Of Flight (9-2) at Chelmsford City 5f hcp (6) pol in Sep.
Tavener 7-2 (9-7) Tracked leaders, led over 1f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, lost 2nd near finish, 3rd of 9, 1/2l behind Lady Joanna Vassa (9-2) at Newcastle 5f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Air Of York (IRE) 7-1 (9-4) Outpaced in rear, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, never nearer, 7th of 11, 4 1/4l behind Zipedeedodah (9-3) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (5) pol in Nov.