tracked leaders, ridden before 2 out, soon chased winner, no impression
in touch in 4th, went 3rd from 2 out, kept on same pace
tracked leader, led 5th, clear before 2 out, easily
led to 5th, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened
always towards rear, never dangerous, tailed off from 3 out
always towards rear, tailed off before 3 out
in rear, pushed along before 6th, tailed off, pulled up before last
always towards rear, tailed off 3 out, pulled up before last
COUNT MERIBEL and Quietly are the most exposed but are consistent sorts who should both win races this winter. Preference is for the former here as he was only beaten a neck in a Class 3 handicap at Ffos Las when last seen in action. Absolute Power and Apollo Creed are both tackling hurdles for the first time but should be suited and they will also appreciate today's step up in distance. It will be a surprise if any of the others manage to be involved at the business end.
Absolute Power 8-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, went 2nd over 2f out until over 1f out, 3rd and held inside final furlong, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 14, 3 1/2l behind Perfect Harmony (11-4) at Newbury 2m (6) sft in Jan.
Apollo Creed (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Tracked winner until well over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on and regained 2nd place towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Tikkanbar (11-4) at Hereford 2m (6) hvy in Feb.
Count Meribel 8-1 (11-0) Mid-division, well in touch 6th, not fluent 4 out, 2nd before 3 out, strong challenge 2 out, every chance flat, just held, 2nd of 7, nk behind Sir Mangan (11-10) at Ffos Las 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Quietly (IRE) 13-8 (11-2) With leader, led 7th, driven 3 out, strongly challenged next, headed after last, no extra, 2nd of 4, 1 3/4l behind For Instance (11-2) at Wetherby 3m (4) gd in Apr.
Valzan (FR) (11-0) 2nd of 9, 6l behind Brin De Cotte (10-9) at Le Pin Au Haras 2m 1f gd in May.
March To Milan Milan M out of Kay For Karbia.
Olivia Joan 33-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders in 4th, weakened over 5f out, soon eased, virtually pulled up, last of 11, dist behind Mighty Thunder (10-11) at Perth 2m (5) gd in Jun.
Once An Angel (IRE) 9-4 (11-11) Chsd ldrs, cl 2nd 3out, wknd in mod 3rd & lft alone bef last where jmped lft, drpd 4th flat, 4th of 7, 17l behind Pure Affection (11-11) at Inchydoney 3m mdn gd in May.