chased leader 1st until not fluent next, 2nd again from 5th, challenging going well before leading last, soon clear, very easily
led, not fluent 5th, ridden before headed and mistake last, no chance with winner after
not always fluent, mostly 2nd until 5th, ridden before 3 out, soon no impression
always last, not fluent 7th, hampered 3 out, well beaten from next, mistake last
All four have shown a good level of form but course knowledge can prove an important factor around here and DECOR IRLANDAIS (NAP) really impressed when an effortless course winner over this trip 22 days ago. The former point-to-pointer will prove difficult to overcome if at the same level and is preferred to Stony Stream, cleverly placed to land his last two starts and likely to progress further. He has yet to tackle this trip though. Fortified Bay was easily swept aside last time and needs to improve and Charming Dream is interesting in receipt of his allowances but has yet to operate over further than the minimum 2m so does have questions to answer.
Decor Irlandais (FR) 11-4 (11-2) Held up in rear, smooth headway before 2 out, went 2nd and poised to challenge between last 2, led after last, pushed clear turning in, in no danger after and soon eased, comfortably, won at Cartmel 2m 6f mdn (4) gd in Jun beating Winding Roe (11-2) by 9l, 7 ran.
Fortified Bay (IRE) 7-4 (11-4) Chased winner, not fluent 7th or 4 out, ridden before 3 out, soon well held, 2nd of 4, 34l behind Borice (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f (4) gs in Jun.
Stony Stream (IRE) 11-10fav (11-2) Held up in touch, pushed along after 3 out, went 2nd before 2 out, ridden to lead before last, driven out, won at Southwell 2m 4f mdn (5) gd in Jun beating Whenhellbrokeloose (11-2) by 1 1/4l, 6 ran.
Charming Dream (FR) 12-1 (10-12) Raced keenly mid-division, headway after 2 out, pushed along and led last, ridden and headed flat, not quicken, 2nd of 14, 2 1/4l behind Lord Roccoco (10-9) at Hexham 2m mdn (5) gd in Jun.
