in touch, ridden to challenge over 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra towards finish
tracked leader, led narrowly over 3f out, hard pressed final 2f, ran on strongly inside final furlong, just held on
close up, ridden over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not reach leaders
steadied start, took keen hold behind, ridden and outpaced 2f out, stayed on again final furlong, not trouble leaders
led, headed narrowly over 3f out, pressed winner from 2f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra last strides
went left start, in rear, headway on inside over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, no extra near finish
took keen hold in mid-division, lost place 4f out, weakened well over 1f out
Some in-form performers here and the vote goes to Carcinetto ahead of Cativo Cavallino and Hotham. Five of the selection's seven wins have come over this course and distance and David Evans' gelding continues to defy the handicapper. He has improved by around a stone since the start of the year and from a decent draw another big run looks imminent. Hotham won well at Pontefract last time out and whilst he lacks experience on this surface, his consistency and good attitude ensures that he mustn't be passed over easily. Cativo Cavallino is a course and distance winner and has a very good strike-rate so for regular pilot Natalia Gemelova, another prominent showing is in the offing. Twosheetstothewind is consistent and should run his race for trainer Conor Dore, however he does have a bit to find with the leading principles. At a price Buxton could run well now dropped in trip and with a tasty-looking draw, however Carcinetto is fancied to win at the track once again.
Buxton 8-1 (8-9) Raced centre, chased leaders, effort over 2f out, soon weakened, 12th of 13, 11l behind Giant Slalom (8-13) at Doncaster 7f 3yo app hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Cativo Cavallino 7-1 (8-11) Chased leader, led just inside final 2f, in command final furlong, ridden out, readily, won at Kempton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct beating Prince of Delphi (9-0) by 2 1/2l, 11 ran.
Sunoverregun 33-1 (8-6) Always behind, 11th of 13, 11l behind Kay Gee Be (9-2) at Kempton 1m 3yo hcp (3) pol in Oct.
Carcinetto (IRE) 13-2 (9-0) Led for 1f, remained prominent, ridden over 2f out, led well inside final furlong, ridden out, won at W'hampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct beating First Order (9-5) by 1l, 12 ran.
Bertie Southstreet 8-1 (8-12) In rear, headway and not clear run over 1f out, switched left and stayed on to take 2nd near finish, not trouble winner, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind For Life (8-6) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Oct.
Idle Power (IRE) 6-1 (8-6) Led centre group for 3f, weakened final furlong, 8th of 16, 6l behind Obe Gold (8-6) at Goodwood 6f hcp 0-95 (3) sft in Oct.
Carmenero (GER) 7-1 (9-6) Held up in rear, ridden 2f out, never nearer, 8th of 14, 3l behind Teasing (8-11) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Oct.
Hotham 7-2fav (8-11) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, ridden and headway over 1f out, ran on to lead towards finish, won at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Sept beating Joyeaux (8-8) by 1/2l, 16 ran.
Twosheetstothewind 5-1 (9-4) Held up, taken towards stand rail 3f out, effort under pressure 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 5th of 10, 1 1/2l behind Calabaza (8-12) at Brighton 5f hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Oct.
