tracked leader, not fluent 8th and next, hit 11th, lost 2nd 2 out, one pace in 3rd when went right and hit last
tracked leading pair, challenged for 2nd 4 out, outpaced and niggled along next, rallied to 2nd 2 out, led before mistake last, kept on flat
led, ridden before 2 out, headed before last, switched right flat, kept on same pace
Earth Planet was pulled up on his first start for Graeme McPherson and has a bit to prove now. He also struggles to get his head in front. Flying Award hasn't shown much so far this season but Overquest won over 3m1f at Ayr on his return from injury and should have no problem with this longer trip. ACRAI RUA won over this distance and in this grade at Cartmel in the summer. He's been eased a little in the weights since his latest fourth at Market Rasen and may be ready to pick up the winning thread again.
Earth Planet (IRE) 33-1 (10-6) Mid-division, closed from 12th, weakened before 2 out, pulled up approaching last, in a race won by The Rainbow Hunter (11-12) at Ascot 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Nov, 9 ran.
Flying Award (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) In touch on outside, outpaced when not fluent 4 out, kept on same pace from next, no impression, 5th of 12, 10l behind Ballyoliver (11-5) at Newbury 3m 2f am hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs.
Acrai Rua (IRE) 11-1 (11-8) Led 1st until 4th chased leader until led again after 5th, headed 12th, lost 2nd at 13th, ridden in 5th after 5 out, one pace from next, 4th of 10, 19l behind Roi De Garde (10-5) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Nov.
Overquest 11-4 (10-12) Tracking leaders when not fluent 2nd, mistake 6th, closed 10th, went 2nd before next, led 12th, joined last, found extra and in command towards finish, won at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (4) sft in Nov beating Et Maintenant (10-13) by 1l, 7 ran.
