tracked leaders and always going well, came between horses and quickened to lead inside final furlong, soon pushed clear easily
slowly into stride, held up, not clearest of runs entering final furlong, switched right, ran on strongly, nearest at finish
always behind, ridden and no chance final 2f
prominent on outside, hung left and rider dropped reins over 1f out, ran on into 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with easy winner
chased leaders on inside, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside last, not pace to threaten
held up, ridden on wide outside over 1f out, no headway
with leaders, ridden to lead 1f out, headed inside final furlong, weakened final 100 yards
slight lead on inner but strongly pressed, ridden over 1f out, headed 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
well outpaced in rear, switched right over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, closing finish
with leaders on outer, hung left well over 1f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened final 100 yards
An intriguing sprint that can go the way of the unexposed CRIMEA, who can strike a blow against the old guard represented by the likes of Green Manalishi, Mondovi and the in-form Go Go Green. The last named is a candidate to set a strong tempo and, given his recent burst of enthusiasm, he cannot be confidently ruled out. A 6lb higher mark for his game win at Pontefract may be his undoing, though. Green Manalishi needs little introduction and has the class to win at this level. However, the concession of several years and 15lbs in weight to the selection leaves Kevin Ryan's top weight with a mammoth task this afternoon. Therefore, this may be the day to side with the precociousness of youth and give Crimea the benefit of any doubt. A half-brother to numerous winners, the selection would be an interesting candidate to be kept on the go during the winter by Mark Johnston and with the all-weather surface not expected to pose too many problems, Crimea is fancied to at least pay for the travel expenses down from Middleham today.
Green Manalishi 10-1 (9-11) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, ridden in 6th 2f out, kept on final furlong, 5th of 11, 1 1/4l behind Arganil (10-0) at Dundalk 5f lst stks 2yo pol in Oct.
Toms Laughter 12-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden and effort over 1f out, no extra final furlong, 5th of 15, 5l behind The Nifty Fox (8-6) at Catterick 5f hcp 0-95 (3) gd in Oct.
Mondovi 12-1 (8-13) Mid-division, outpcaed over 2f out, never on terms, 9th of 15, 7l behind The Nifty Fox (8-6) at Catterick 5f hcp 0-95 (3) gd in Oct.
Fantasy Explorer 10-1 (9-4) Tracked leader, led 2f out, soon strongly challenged, stayed on gamely, won at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Oct beating Hajoum (9-3) by hd, 12 ran.
Macdillon 12-1 (9-4) Took keen hold, soon settled in 3rd, ridden on inside over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 6th of 10, 3 1/2l behind Lemon N Sugar (8-11) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-90 (3) pol in Oct.
Go Go Green (IRE) 15-8fav (8-9) Tracked leader, ridden to lead 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, won at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Oct beating Taurus Twins (8-3) by 2 3/4l, 10 ran.
Tabaret 13-2 (9-4) Led, ridden over 1f out, kept on until headed and no extra near finish, 4th of 10, 3/4l behind Hotham (8-12) at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Oct.
Crimea (IRE) 5-1 (9-5) Always prominent, led over 1f out, soon hard ridden, stayed on strongly, won at Hamilton 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Jul beating Sudden Impact (9-11) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Cerito 40-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, under pressure over 2f out, weakened entering final 2f, last of 14, 46l behind Arthur's Edge (8-5) at Goodwood 6f hcp 0-95 (3) gs in Oct.
Stolt (IRE) 16-1 (8-6) Hung right throughout, in touch, lost place over 1f out, soon weakened and eased, 14th of 15, 16l behind The Nifty Fox (8-6) at Catterick 5f hcp 0-95 (3) gd in Oct.
