held up off the pace in rear, some headway into mid-division after 2 out, ridden along rounding home turn, no extra after last
led, joined 3 out, headed next, soon weakened
held up in mid-division, pushed along after 3 out, ridden next, went fourth after last, soon every chance, kept on well to lead towards finish
held up in rear of mid-division, pushed along after 2 out, ridden along and kept on after last, not pace to challenge
tracked leaders, ridden along after 2 out, faded after last
prominent, joined leader 3 out, led next, ridden along after last, headed rounding home turn, ran on
mid-division, dropped to rear and ridden along headed out onto final circuit, detached when not fluent 2 out, tailed off
prominent, pushed along before 3 out, lost position before next, weakened
never better than mid-division
raced in mid-division, went second after 2 out, ridden to lead rounding home turn, kept on well but headed towards finish
For Pleasure will ensure there is no hanging about in this and he’s much better off at the weights than when fifth behind Glorious Zoff at Warwick in May. Young Merlin spent several years in France having won on the Flat for Roger Charlton earlier in his career. Bought to go hurdling by Amy Murphy, he’s won twice at Southwell and may have more to offer now handicapping. A winner here in May and June, Calevade was only third in his hat-trick bid here five weeks ago but was still well clear of the tailed-off CALL ME ROCKY. However, Milton Harris’ charge sustained an injury that day so a line can be put through that performance. An earlier victory at Newton Abbot has been franked by the runner-up. Gavin has been beaten off similar marks three times since completing a hat-trick at Ffos Las and Well Educated has also struggled recently.
Glorious Zoff (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, headway before 2 out, soon ridden and switched left, not fluent last, kept on run-in, stayed into 3rd close home, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Too Friendly (11-10) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (2) sft in Jul.
For Pleasure (IRE) 4-1 (11-10) Led, ridden and headed 4 out, weakened rapidly thereafter, pulled up before 2 out, at Newton Abbot 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Young Merlin (IRE) 5-6fav (11-9) Held up off the pace in 4th, went 2nd and plenty to do before 4 out, 8 lengths down 3 out, ridden before next, closed before last, ridden and stayed on to lead final 110 yards, won at Southwell 2m (4) gs in Jul beating Book of Secrets (11-2) by 1 1/4l, 9 ran.
Call Me Rocky (IRE) 13-2 (11-1) Always towards rear, tailed off, last of 12, dist behind Luttrell Lad (11-12) at Cartmel 2m 1f hcp (3) hvy in Jul.
Vocal Duke (IRE) 28-1 (10-2) Mid-division, lost ground and behind from 2 out, 6th of 12, 14 3/4l behind Fiveonefive (10-12) at Cartmel 2m 1f hcp (2) gs in Jul.
Well Educated (IRE) 16-1 (11-4) In touch in mid-division, closed before 6th, challenged 4 out, led 3 out, headed before 2 out, 3rd and held when not fluent last, 3rd of 11, 10 3/4l behind Bucko's Boy (11-7) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Calum Gilhooley (IRE) 50-1 (11-11) Held up in touch in rear, ridden and outpaced final bend, soon weakened, mistake 2 out, last of 5, 34 1/2l behind Our Scholar (11-13) at Southwell 2m hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Calevade (IRE) 11-2 (10-9) Led, headed before 3 out, not fluent 2 out, lost 2nd inside final 150 yards, one pace, 3rd of 12, 8l behind Luttrell Lad (11-12) at Cartmel 2m 1f hcp (3) hvy in Jul.
Gavin 5-4fav (12-0) Chased leaders, took keen hold, went 2nd after 3rd, lost place 2 out, well beaten last, 7th of 8, 15 1/4l behind Long Call (11-1) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Aug.
Very Excellent (IRE) 33-1 (9-9) Raced wide, tracked leader until pushed along 3f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out, 6th of 7, 11 1/2l behind Zarabanda (10-0) at Ripon 1m 2f hcp (4) sft in Aug.
