midfield, awkward 4th, dropped to rear before 7th, soon ridden in last, tailed off 9th, pulled up before 2 out
took keen hold, always in rear, not fluent 9th, ridden before 3 out, no impression 2 out where not fluent, kept on one pace approaching last
made all, 8 lengths clear 3 out, travelling best when 5 lengths clear 2 out, soon ridden, maintained advantage approaching last, kept up to work run-in
chased leader, not fluent 5th, briefly ridden before 8th, 8 lengths behind 3 out, soon ridden, disputed 2nd 2 out where 5 lengths behind, soon weakened into 3rd, no extra approaching last
held up in midfield, headway into 3rd before 7th, travelling okay before 3 out but plenty to do, soon ridden, headway to dispute 2nd 2 out, kept on same pace approaching last
Mercian Prince won a Class 2 at Kempton in May but is best caught fresh and the veteran was tailed off behind SIR TIVO at Stratford last month. Gary Hanmer’s charge has gone well here in the past and is 3lb better off than when only beaten a short-head by the in-form Al Zaraqaan at Uttoxeter two runs ago. El Borracho is 5-8 over fences and has also won plenty on the Flat and over hurdles but Geromino appears to be struggling at present.
Mercian Prince (IRE) 11-1 (12-0) Jumped right, led until 3 out, weakened after 2 out, last of 5, dist behind Sir Tivo (11-4) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp (2) gd in Jul.
Al Zaraqaan 8-13fav (11-10) Held up in touch on outside, took keen hold, went 2nd 4th, led after 6th, not fluent and headed narrowly 2 out, led again soon after last, stayed on well, won at Southwell 2m hcp (3) gd in Jul beating Valentino Dancer (11-1) by 9l, 4 ran.
El Borracho (IRE) 7-1 (9-13) Held up in mid-division, closed from 8f out, went 2nd over 2f out, led well over 1f out, headed towards finish, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Yorkindness (9-8) at Pontefract 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Sir Tivo (FR) 11-4 (11-4) Chased leader, led 3 out, jumped left and not fluent last, stayed on well, ridden out, won at Stratford 2m 1f hcp (2) gd in Jul beating Cracking Destiny (10-11) by 4l, 5 ran.
Geromino (FR) 20-1 (11-3) Mid-division, dropped towards rear 5th, ridden after next, soon lost touch and pulled up, at Newton Abbot 2m hcp (2) gd in Jun.
