tracked leader, jumped slowly 10th, pushed along from next, lost 2nd 3 out until after last, rallied gamely and pressed winner entering final furlong, held towards finish
chased leaders, outpaced from 4 out, went 3rd before bend entering home straight, stayed on same pace
held up in 4th, last 6th, headway 15th, went 2nd 3 out, led after next, ridden in home straight, stayed on well
last until went 4th 6th, weakened 3 out, tailed off
led until after 2 out, weakened after last, tailed off
Nonrunner
Thunder Hawk has pulled up in two of his last three chase contests and is best watched, although he did win here in June. Volcanic Rock may struggle with the weight he carries considering he is 16lbs higher in the ratings than his last win, however he can handle the trip and is respected. SHULMIN was in form before taking a short break and she is looking for a hat-trick at the course after wins in May. She gets the vote to return with a bang. Simply Smashing may find market support after winning well at Hexham and has realistic claims.
Petite Margot 8-1 (11-5) Led to 2nd, tracked leader, lost place 11th, ridden and outpaced before 4 out, stayed on under pressure from next, no impression, 4th of 13, 6l behind Rifleman (10-7) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd.
Simply Smashing (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) In rear, mistake 6th, 9th and still plenty to do 4 out, headway on outside next, went 2nd between last 2, challenged last, ridden and stayed on to lead flat, going away towards finish, won at Hexham 3m 1f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gf in Jun beating Harry Flashman (11-9) by 5l, 14 ran.
Volcanic Rock (IRE) 11-2fav (11-12) Held up, 8th 5 out, 7th and no impression after next, left 5th from 2 out, one pace, 5th of 13, 13l behind Curragh Grey (11-4) at Killarney 2m 4f hcp chs 0-102 gf.
Shulmin 4-1fav (10-0) Held up towards rear, headway and in touch 12th, went 2nd 16th, led 4 out (water), drew clear from last, comfortably, won at Cartmel 3m 6f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in May beating Pauillac (11-6) by 10l, 11 ran.
Thunder Hawk (IRE) 6-5fav (10-11) Led, reminders,10th, headed 12th, blundered 4 out, pulled up next, in a race won by Twelve Paces (11-12) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf, 6 ran.
Adrianeo (IRE) 8-1 (11-6) Close up, tracked leaders 7th, led 12th, pressed from 3 out, headed last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 6, 5l behind Twelve Paces (11-12) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf.
