prominent, not fluent 5th, bad mistake 10th, pushed along after 3 out, plugged on
mid-division, went 2nd 10th, led after 3 out, ridden before 2 out, soon faced challenge, headed approaching last, well beaten run-in and eased
led, headed 10th and ridden, dropped away and lost touch 12th, tailed off
mid-division, went 3rd 10th, pressed leader 2 out, going well and led approaching last, ridden briefly run-in and went clear, comfortably
chased leaders, led 10th, pushed along and headed after 3 out, weakened 2 out
in rear, slow jump and lost touch 8th, well behind when pulled up before 11th
A couple of these struggled back over hurdles last time but are much more at home over these larger obstacles. Northern Bound scored at Worcester in June and is 5lb higher but FAT SAM has now won four of only nine starts over fences having won easily at Newton Abbot and Chris Down’s charge looks worth sticking with. Yccs Portocervo was already beaten when falling behind the selection but Armattiekan went close when last racing over course and distance back in May.
The Golden Rebel (IRE) 13-2 (11-1) Towards rear, headway 14th, ridden before 3 out, soon beaten, 8th of 10, 30 1/4l behind Francky Du Berlais (11-3) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Fat Sam 11-2 (12-1) Chased leaders, ridden before 3 out, weakened next, 4th of 8, 16 1/4l behind Translink (11-6) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Al Roc (FR) 9-1 (10-2) Led, clear briefly after 2nd, headed after 6th, weakened quickly, pulled up after 3 out, at Newton Abbot 2m 6f hcp (2) gd in Aug.
Northern Bound (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Towards rear, pushed along behind front group after 4 out, soon beaten and plugged on from 3 out, 4th of 10, 22 1/4l behind Accidental Rebel (11-7) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Yccs Portocervo (FR) 10-3 (11-8) Led until 13th, chased leader until after 13th, ridden in 3rd after 4 out, weakened and well held when fell 2 out, at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Armattiekan (IRE) 11-4 (11-2) Raced wide, last trio and leader (winner) soon well clear, reminder and struggling after 7th, well behind 9th, pulled up before 3 out, at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Jul.