held up, went 2nd 6th, ridden when switched left and headed last, soon switched right, eased when held towards finish
made all, clear to 10th, driven out
chased winner to 6th, ridden after 4 out, weakened after next
jumped left, always behind
always towards rear
Mister Flint gets the confident vote here with In The Frame and After Me Boys rating the main dangers. The selection made all and won with plenty in hand when beating Tonic Du Charmil and although he has a penalty for that win, this looks easier and he is taken to score under conditions that suit. In The Frame rates the main danger as he has also been in good form of late and was a fair second behind Ceannairceach last time out. However he gave the impression he would be seen to better effect over a longer trip and he may not have enough pace to lay up with the selection and for that reason he is opposed. After Me Boys is another that is respected but he has been let down by his jumping of late so can not be put forward with any confidence. Of the remainder, Half Inch gets all the weight for age allowances and could run well at a price but his overall form leaves him with a little to find and for the winner we will stick with Mister Flint.
In The Frame (IRE) 13-8fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, close order 8th, ridden to challenge 3 out, every chance last, not quicken flat, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Ceannairceach (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gf in Jul.
Mister Flint 11-10fav (11-4) Jumped right, made all, soon clear, hit 4th, drew well clear from 8th, hit last, eased, won at N Abbot 2m nov chs (D) gs in Aug beating Tonic Du Charmil (11-4) by 26l, 4 ran.
After Me Boys 13-2 (11-3) Behind from 6th, tailed off, 6th of 8, well behind Celtic Boy (11-9) at Worcester 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gf in Aug.
Greenacres Boy 33-1 (9-9) Behind, mistake 1st, headway 11th, ridden 3 out, weakened quickly, 6th of 9, 40l behind Fearless Mel (11-5) at Bangor 3m hcp chs 0-100 (F) gd in Aug.
Half Inch 11-2 (10-2) Tracked leader, hit 7th, every chance 3 out, blundered next, lost 2nd last, no extra flat, 3rd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Nawamees (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 2f beg chs (E) gf in Aug.