Momkinzain, twice a winner on the Flat earlier this year, has been well beaten on both starts over timber and Master Act has looked as though a longer trip would suit. Machir Bay is still a maiden after 17 career starts in moderate company so this looks destined for MERCHANT OF DUBAI. Jim Goldie's charge is useful over middle-distances on the Flat and finished a fine third in the November Handicap last time. He looks better than these and should make a winning start to his new career.
Dessie Gray (IRE) 66-1 (11-2) Prominent, led 9f out, headed 5f out, weakened over 3f out, tailed off, last of 10, well behind Sir Johnson (11-12) at Perth 2m NH flat (6) gs in Sep.
Machir Bay 66-1 (10-12) Held up, mistake and rider lost iron briefly 1st, hampered 3rd, pushed along 5th, well beaten when mistake 2 out, 6th of 12, 35l behind Jawaab (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Sep.
Master Act (IRE) 40-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, not fluent 4th, headway approaching 7th, ridden before 2 out, no extra last, 5th of 13, 21l behind What A Warrior (10-8) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Merchant Of Dubai 16-1 (8-13) Held up mid-division, headway over 1f out, chased leaders inside final furlong, nearest finish, 3rd of 23, 7l behind Zuider Zee (8-13) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp (2) sft (flat).
Momkinzain (USA) 12-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, weakened 4 out, tailed off, 9th of 13, 45l behind Gordonsville (10-12) at Musselburgh 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Talkin Sence (IRE) 40-1 (10-5) Took keen hold, in touch when unseated rider 1st, in a race won by Bury Parade (10-7) at Hexham 2m NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) sft, 8 ran.
Woodys Brother (IRE) 200-1 (10-12) Led, headed before 2 out, quickly weakened, 11th of 14, well behind Aland Islands (10-12) at Hexham 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft.
