tracked leader to 4th, under pressure 8th, soon tailed off, pulled up before 2 out
held up, well behind from 9th, soon tailed off
held up and always behind
chased leaders, went 2nd 4th, led after 7th, headed under pressure after 3 out, driven to regain narrow lead last, headed and not quicken run-in
in touch, pulled up before 8th
in touch, effort 9th, weakened 3 out
not jump well in rear, driven along and struggling 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 8th
Assoon, Batswing and Oulton Broad are the three for the shortlist here and the vote is given to Assoon. The selection finished in mid-division at Huntingdon last time in a much better race than this, and that followed a decent effort at Fontwell when second behind Come Bye on soft ground. This represents a big drop in class and off a handy mark he looks the one to be with. Batswing is another that is well-in on his best form but he has shown very little of his old sparkle of late and he can't be backed with any confidence. Oulton Broad was reported to be never travelling by his jockey at Fontwell when third behind Critical Stage last time. He should be suited by the step-up in trip here but he is far from straightforward and for that reason we will oppose him. Bekstar was returning from a break when well beaten in a better race than this last time, but his yard are now amongst the winner and he is certainly worth a look in the market. However Assoon should benefit from this drop in class and stands out as the one to beat.
Assoon 11-1 (10-13) Held up in touch, weakened approaching 3 out, 15th of 19, 49l behind All Star (11-7) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd.
Carly Bay 33-1 (10-10) Held up, weakened 3 out, behind when pulled up in race won by Festive Chimes (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gs, 10 ran.
Batswing 13-2 (11-4) Held up in rear, struggling 5th, tailed off next, last of 10, 43l behind Dolzago (11-3) at Plumpton 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gs.
It's My Party 66-1 (10-5) Held up in touch, ridden 7th, weakened 2 out, 8th of 12, 46l behind Denman (11-4) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hdl (D) gd.
Oulton Broad 6-1 (10-10) Mid-division, outpaced approaching 3 out, stayed on again from 2 out, 3rd of 11, 6l behind Critical Stage (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 2f clm hdl (F) gs.
Better Moment (IRE) 33-1 (10-2) Held up in mid-division, chased leader 3rd, ridden and weakened 7th, 8th of 16, 19l behind Meadow Hawk (9-9) at Taunton 2m 3f amt hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gf.
Rebel Son 11-1 (11-6) Mid-division, blundered 3rd and dropped rear, headway 4 out, weakened 3 out, last of 13, well behind Highbank (10-2) at Doncaster 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (E) gd in Dec '01.
Bekstar 33-1 (10-5) Held up towards rear, short-lived effort approaching 3 out, 8th of 14, 48l behind Don't Ask Me (10-1) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gs in Oct.
Penny's Crown 50-1 (10-6) Held up in mid-division, ridden 7th, soon weakened, 12th of 16, 25l behind Meadow Hawk (9-9) at Taunton 2m 3f amt hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gf.
Sussex Mist 100-1 (9-12) Always behind, tailed off from 4th, last of 10, well behind Resplendent Star (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m nov hdl (E) gf in May.
