tracked leaders, went 2nd at 12th, mistake 6 out, mistake 2 out, no chance with winner
tracked leader, to 12th, mistake 5 out, soon weakened
made all, clear 2 out, readily
VASCO DU MEE came good on his fifth start over fences when scoring easily at Down Royal earlier in the month. He has a big hike in the weights to contend with but can still hold off the attentions of Wicklow Gold, a runner-up at Downpatrick in June. Ballyben has the more recent form with a win at Wetherby but is upped in class for this.
Vasco Du Mee (FR) 2-1fav (11-4) Chased leader, 6th halfway, closer and left 4th at 12th, progress to lead before 4 out, asserted 3 out and soon in command, stayed on well, very easily, won at Down Royal 3m hcp chs beating Milan Breeze (11-8) by 31l, 7 ran.
Wicklow Gold (FR) 7-4fav (11-12) Chased leaders, moderate 4th halfway, slight mistake 6 out, progress into 2nd and closer before 4 out, led and disputed after 4 out, ridden in narrow lead last, kept on run-in, headed close home, 2nd of 13, hd behind Sarabad (11-9) at Downpatrick 2m 7f beg chase gd in Jun.
Ballyben (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Tracked leader, led 7th, headed after 9th, led 3 out, kept on, driven out, won at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Oct beating Foot The Bill (10-5) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
