tracked leader, ridden to challenge over 2f out, every chance over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on well
led, hard driven over 3f out, headed over 1f out, faded final furlong
keen, tracked leader, effort over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
tracked leader, keen hold, weakened over 2f out
held up, in rear, headway over 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, soon challenged, headed inside final furlong, no extra closing stages
NonRunner
COUP DE PINCEAU won in a canter at Ludlow in the spring. That form has sent out mixed messages but Stan Sheppard's claim almost wipes out his penalty and he can extend his unbeaten record. Ain't No Limits started favourite at Towcester on his debut but found one too good. He should be winning soon but Hexham runner-up Between The Waters may not come into his own until tackling hurdles. Count Meribel has shown promise and Hard As A Rock was third in a decent race at Wincanton last December. Doolin is preferred to Present Destiny of the others.
Coup De Pinceau (FR) 13-8fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, led over 1f out, soon ridden clear, won at Ludlow 2m (4) gs in Apr beating Smoking Dixie (11-3) by 9l, 8 ran.
Ain't No Limits (FR) 3-1jfav (11-10) Led, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, soon pressed, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 2nd of 7, 1 3/4l behind Dans Le Vent (10-7) at Towcester 1m 6f (6) gf in Oct.
Between The Waters (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Held up, towards rear, headway halfway, led 3f out, ridden and headed inside final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 8, 2 1/4l behind Vertigo (11-4) at Hexham 2m (6) gd in Oct.
Doolin 10-1 (11-5) Ww rr, mstk 6out, prog in 6th bef 4out, further prog to ld aftr 3out, chall bef last, hdd over 50 yards out, no ex, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Coco Live (11-10) at Kinsale 3m mdn gd in Jun.
Hard As A Rock (FR) 13-8fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 5f out, pushed along and no impression when dropped to 3rd over 2f out, 3rd of 9, 10 1/4l behind Rolling Dylan (11-4) at Wincanton 1m 7f mdn (6) sft in Dec.
Present Destiny (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Held up, headway on outside over 3f out, plugged on final 2f, 4th of 8, 8 3/4l behind Winningtry (11-4) at Wincanton 1m 7f (6) sft in Apr.
Count Meribel 20-1 (10-10) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace, 5th of 13, 11 1/2l behind Rockportian (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m (5) gd in May.
Sabrage (IRE) Fastnet Rock gelding out of Champagne Toni.
