in touch, ridden along over 2f out, driven and one pace final furlong
towards rear, soon pushed along, some late headway, never troubled leaders
towards rear, never dangerous
dwelt, towards rear, headway over 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
towards rear, soon pushed along, headway over 1f out, one pace final furlong
led, headed over 3f out, gradually weakened
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, driven and kept on same pace final furlong
never better than mid-division
prominent, effort when not much room on inner over 2f out, ran on final furlong
mid-division, effort halfway, no impression
chased leaders, ridden along halfway, weakened final furlong
in touch, led over 3f out, driven over 1f out, kept on gamely final furlong
This handicap looks tricky from a punting perspective, but the leading lights appear to be Two Acres, The Cube and Grand Palace, with the vote given to the last mentioned. The selection was a closing second behind Rhapsilian at Lingfield last time over 6f in a race that has worked out well. The key to his chance today looks to be the step-up in trip as it should play to his strengths and he can get his head in front. The Cube looks the main danger as he has been running well of late. However, unlike our selection, there is a worry over whether this extra distance will bring out the best in him. Grand Palace goes well here and he could be worth another chance after a disappointing run last time out. The Salwick Flyer looks the best of the others, but this looks a good opportunity for Two Acres who can take advantage of this step-up in trip.
Two Acres (IRE) 4-1 (8-13) In touch, headway 2f out, chased leader over 1f out, closed inside final furlong, went 2nd on post, but not pace of winner, 2nd of 12, 1l behind Rhapsilian (8-12) at Lingfield 6f app hcp (6) pol in Oct.
Ocean Gift 14-1 (9-2) Soon dropped towards rear, ridden 3f out, never dangerous, 10th of 13, 11l behind Punching (8-12) at W'hampton 6f hcp (6) pol.
Jojesse 5-2fav (8-9) Mid-division, outpaced halfway, stayed on final 2f, 5th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Princess Ellis (8-13) at Musselburgh 5f 3yo hcp (6) gf in Sept.
Fern House (IRE) 100-1 (8-6) Always towards rear, 8th of 9, 34l behind Smokey Oakey (9-3) at Ayr 1m hcp 0-90 (3) hvy.
The Salwick Flyer (IRE) 11-1 (8-6) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 4th of 19, 6l behind Memphis Man (9-3) at Ayr 6f hcp 0-65 (6) hvy in Oct.
Diamond Hurricane (IRE) 50-1 (8-5) Took keen hold, prominent, ridden 2f out, no impression over 1f out and weakened final furlong, 12th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Quantum Leap (9-1) at Lingfield 7f hcp 0-60 (6) pol.
The Cube 14-1 (8-11) Chased leaders, ridden halfway, led over 1f out, headed towards finish, one pace, 3rd of 16, 3/4l behind Registrar (8-12) at Nottingham 5f hcp (6) gf.
Grand Palace (IRE) 12-1 (8-6) Always in the rear, 10th of 13, 8l behind Time To Regret (9-2) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-50 (6) pol.
Spy Gun (USA) 100-1 (8-2) Led to over 3f out, soon outpaced, rallied over 1f out, ran on inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 4l behind Magic Glade (9-5) at W'hampton 6f clm (6) pol.
Mister Always 10-1 (9-1) Bumped start, headway to chase leaders over 2f out, one pace, 4th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Sofinella (8-12) at W'hampton 5f hcap (6) pol in Sept.
Monda 12-1 (8-8) Mid-division, ridden after 2f, one pace, 8th of 19, 12l behind Memphis Man (9-3) at Ayr 6f hcp 0-65 (6) hvy in Oct.
Detonate 50-1 (7-12) Took keen hold, chased leaders, every chance over 1f out, faded final furlong, 8th of 12, 3 1/2l behind One More Round (9-7) at Lingfield 6f clm (6) pol.
Fast Freddie 14-1 (8-4) In touch, driven 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong, 6th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Ishibee (8-11) at Kempton 6f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
