A big field for this handicap and, not surprisingly, the draw had a strong bearing on the outcome. The easing in the ground benefited PRINCE NAMID, who ran some good races in defeat last season without getting his head in front. He came good here, however, seeing his race out really well to win with a tad to spare.

Spanish Ace, who, like the winner, was drawn favourably high, did not help his chances by hanging to the left under pressure. Nothing actually got up his inside, but he hardly enhanced his own cause, running on ground arguably faster than ideal.

Plateau, a stablemate of Handsome Cross, came out best of those in single-figures and, as such, performed creditably, as indeed did Ryedane and Chatshow, who were also drawn low. Holbeck Ghyll, who was well drawn, was unable to capitalise and appeared to hit the rail at half-way.

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