in touch until pushed along and weakened over 2f out
mid-division, taken to race alone on stand rail on straight, not on terms when hung left over 1f out
keen hold in touch, weakened 2f out, eased when no chance final furlong
chased leaders over 3f
steadied start, never reach beyond mid-division
held up in rear, pushed along over 2f out, kept on inside final furlong
held up in rear, pushed along and headway 2f out, kept on into 3rd inside final furlong
held up, pushed along and struggling over 2f out
steadied start, held up in rear, pushed along 2f out, headway into 2nd over 1f out but never any chance with unchallenged winner
made all, clear over 1f out, unchallenged
chased leaders, pushed along halfway, weakened entering final furlong
Nonrunner
DREAM EXPRESS heads our shortlist for this wide open handicap with none of the runners in great form, but also under consideration are Foxtrot Alpha and Espy. Over the years this race has thrown up some big-priced winners, with favourites winning being very much the exception rather than the rule. Paul Howling's gelding recorded back-to-back wins at this distance, albeit at a lower grade in mid-summer but has disappointed since at a higher level. A step back to this sort of company is a positive, and he has the benefit of a high draw. Foxtrot Alpha is drawn next door and posted her best effort for a while last time out, although she's nought from seven since losing her maiden tag a year ago on debut. Espy has the help of seven-pound claimer John Fahy on board to remain competitive. He's poorly drawn but has previously won off a mark of 81. He's been tumbling down the weights, but showed glimpses again in recent outings of what we know he's capable of.
Caledonia Princess 16-1 (9-1) Led, headed over 4f out, led again over 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon weakened, 12th of 14, 21l behind Salerosa (8-10) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Sep.
Dream Express (IRE) 16-1 (8-6) In rear, ridden and headway approaching final furlong, kept on, never nearer, 6th of 11, 5l behind Good Gorsoon (8-7) at Newmarket 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Sep.
Espy 10-3fav (9-3) Held up mid-division, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 1 1/2l behind Billy Red (9-1) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Sep.
Izzi Mill (USA) 7-1 (9-0) Tracked winner, lost place over 1f out, ridden and kept on same pace final furlong, no impression, 5th of 8, 4l behind Billy Red (8-13) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Foxtrot Alpha (IRE) 16-1 (8-11) In touch, headway on inside 2f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 4 1/2l behind Street Power (9-12) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Aug.
Tudor Prince (IRE) 11-1 (9-2) Held up and keen, stayed on well final furlong, 2nd of 13, 1 1/4l behind Billy Red (9-1) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Sep.
Carmenero (GER) 12-1 (8-12) Behind, outpaced 2f out, ridden and kept on final furlong, never nearer, 6th of 8, 6l behind Billy Red (8-13) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol.
Leading Edge (IRE) 8-1 (9-1) Slowly away, outpaced, never in contention, 7th of 11, 8l behind Speedy Guru (8-9) at Leicester 6f fll hcp (5) gf.
Golden Dixie (USA) 20-1 (9-6) Mid-division on outside, driven along over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 10, 9l behind Abhainn (8-4) at Warwick 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Sep.
Hereford Boy 16-1 (9-5) Held up towards rear, chased leaders over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 8th of 13, 5l behind Cadeaux Fax (9-2) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
Efisio Princess 9-1 (9-2) Raced stands side, chased leaders over 3f, 15th of 17, 19l behind Lithaam (8-10) at Nottingham 5f hcp 0-55 (6) gd in Aug.
Rough Rock (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Held up in touch, hard ridden to challenge over 2f out, kept on final furlong, 4th of 15, 7l behind Captain Flasheart (9-1) at Yarmouth 7f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Sep.
Whiteoak Lady (IRE) 7-1 (9-6) Dwelt, soon in touch, ridden and hung right over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 15, 25l behind Simple Rhythm (9-1) at Nottingham 6f all hcp 0-70 (5) gs.
Embra (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Behind, ridden approaching 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Sam's Cross (9-0) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Sep.
