held up, headway over 2f out, driven over 1f out, one pace final furlong
prominent, ridden along over 2f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
in touch, led halfway, clear approaching final furlong, ridden out
held up, ridden over 2f out and headway, stayed on final furlong
prominent, ridden over 3f out, one pace until weakened inside final furlong
prominent, ridden along 3f out, soon beaten
towards rear, headway over 2f out, driven over 1f out, stayed on final furlong, no chance with winner
started slowly and took keen hold towards rear, headway after 3f, effort over 2f out, soon behind
dwelt and towards rear, ridden along halfway, never dangerous
always rear division
prominent, pushed along halfway, weakened approaching final furlong
led and headed halfway, remained in touch until weakened over 2f out
This is a competitive handicap to open the card and from a shortlist of Prince Noel, Society Music and Holiday Cocktail we will put forward Prince Noel as the one to beat. The selection was a revelation last season when he really got his act together and he recorded 4 wins during October and November. He has had a break since his last win but he has conditions to suit here and he looks the percentage call. Society Music is a course and distance winner and although she has yet to sparkle in her 3 runs this season, this step-up in trip should play to her strengths and that could see her put in an improved effort. Holiday Cocktail put in a better show over this course and distance last time and he is more effective on this quicker ground so he should be thereabouts at the finish. Drawn Gold won well when last seen out and he could prove best of the others as he scored on his handicap debut at Newmarket. A tough race for punters to fathom and the tentative vote is given to Prince Noel.
Society Music (IRE) 20-1 (8-7) Mid-division, kept on same pace final 2f, 8th of 13, 12l behind Yes One (8-9) at Thirsk 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gd.
Medici Pearl 50-1 (8-6) In touch, weakened over 2f out, 15th of 21, 13l behind Gunfighter (8-13) at Doncaster 7f app hcp (4) gf in Nov.
Motafarred (IRE) 16-1 (8-5) In touch, ridden over 2f out, driven to challenge and every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 9th of 19, 3l behind Fragrancy (9-4) at Redcar 1m hcap (2) gd in Oct.
Drawn Gold 8-1 (8-12) Held up in touch, headway to lead 2f out, held on well final furlong, won at Newmarket 1m 3yo app hcp (5) gd in Nov beating Aussie Blue (8-6) by a nk, 11 ran.
Malinsa Blue (IRE) 16-1 (8-7) In touch, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 17, 4 1/2l behind Osteopathic Remedy (8-12) at Thirsk 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Deadline (UAE) 16-1 (8-5) Mid-division, ridden and headway 2f out, no extra final furlong, 10th of 17, 7l behind Osteopathic Remedy (8-12) at Thirsk 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Aussie Blue (IRE) 8-1 (8-6) Towards rear, in touch over 3f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 15, 13l behind Ben Chorley (9-1) at Pontefract 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Apr.
Apres Ski (IRE) 33-1 (8-1) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 11, 22l behind Musaalem (9-4) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-75 (5) gf.
Holiday Cocktail 18-1 (8-7) Slowly away, behind, ridden over 3f out, headway over 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 13, 2 1/2l behind Dispol Isle (9-2) at Pontefract 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Apr.
Newgate (UAE) 16-1 (7-13) Always towards rear, last of 11, 12l behind Stellite (8-10) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-70 (5) gf.
The Graig 25-1 (8-2) Mid-division, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 12, 6l behind Sion Hill (8-9) at W'hampton 7f hcp (6) pol in Apr.
Ming Vase 11-2 (9-5) Led, headed over 4f out, weakened over 3f out, 5th of 7, 25l behind Key Partners (8-6) at Southwell 1m 4f sll (6) fbs in Apr.
Prince Noel 2-1 (8-12) In touch, headway over 1f out, ran on final furlong, not reach winner, 2nd of 4, 1l behind Hoh Wotanite (9-8) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Nov.
