held up mid-division, headway 3f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, driven out
led early, always prominent, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on final furlong
held up mid-division, some headway 4f out, soon ridden and weakened
soon led, keen, ridden 2f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong
held up rear, ridden 2f out, never nearer
prominent, chased leader 4f out, ridden and every chance 1f out, one pace inside final furlong
soon chased leaders until weakened 3f out
held up mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, soon weakened
held up in touch, headway 3f out, ridden 2f out, soon weakened
in rear, steady headway on inside 2f out, soon ridden and one pace
Nonrunner
Spark Up, I Wish, Flying Dancer and, possibly, High Rhythm, are shortlisted with the vote going to Spark Up. Spark Up and I Wish are course and distance winners, and the former comes into this on the back of an extended-mile win here from a three-pounds lower rating. Even so, he gets plenty of respect here, while the latter has consistently proven competitive from this mark, mainly at this distance at Lingfield but, having run well over course and distance last time, gets a favourable mention. Zimbali is trying a new trip, as is Limonia, who has not built on a course maiden win. The lightly-raced Eskimo's Nest is now dropping to a more-sensible mark and has run well here at maiden level, while all-weather debutant Monda's sole career win in four runs has come at this trip. Give Irish import Rain Holly the once-over in the betting, and Party Princess would have a chance on form of a year ago, but has yet to fully prove she stays this far. Gaudalpin has improved recently for a step up to today's trip, while High Rhythm is no forlorn hope based on the best of her form, and, given that she was only just beaten from today's mark at Bath last time, Flying Dancer must be given some kind of a chance. It all adds up to an interesting affair, with the vote going to Spark Up.
Spark Up 6-1 (9-6) Held up, headway 3f out, led 2f out, pushed out, won at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp (6) pol in Jul beating Baby Barry (10-0) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
I Wish 16-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Sarraaf (9-0) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Zimbali 28-1 (8-0) Raced stand side, led until ridden and headed over 1f out, soon weakened, 10th of 16, 5l behind Jilly Why (9-2) at Nottingham 6f fll hcp (5) gd in Sept.
Limonia (GER) 16-1 (8-9) Chased leader, ridden 2f out, weakened quickly, last of 15, 13l behind Summer Recluse (8-11) at Warwick 5f hcp (6) gd in Sept.
Rain Holly (IRE) 16-1 (8-7) Chased leaders in 6th, effort 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 6th of 18, 2l behind Nok Twice (9-10) at Cork 7f hcp 45-70 gf in Sept.
Gaudalpin (IRE) 7-1 (8-13) Slowly into stride, mid-division, weakened final 2f, 9th of 14, 12l behind Cool Sands (8-7) at Southwell 6f hcp 0-60 (6) fbs.
Flying Dancer 20-1 (9-1) Mid-division, headway over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 18, hd behind Sweetest Revenge (9-0) at Bath 5f app hcp (6) gf in Jul.
High Rhythm 8-1 (9-0) In touch, ridden 3f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 17, 13l behind Mystical Ayr (8-1) at Ayr 1m 3yo hcp (6) sft in Sept.