chased leader, went 2nd 4 out, pressed leader 2 out, ridden to lead last, headed approaching run-in, no extra
prominent on inner, mistake 9th and lost ground, hit 12th, pushed along and outpaced 6 out, plugged on thereafter, modest late headway for 3rd
chased leader on outer, going well tracking leaders last, rapid headway under pressure home turn, soon led and bounded clear run-in
in rear, not fluent 4th, pushed along from 6th and behind, pulled up before 6 out
led, pressed 2 out, ridden and headed last, weakened thereafter
VIA DOLOROSA (NAP)has been reeled in late on the last twice and can earn a change of luck. He's a strong-travelling sort and Phillip Armson will look to make sure there's enough petrol left in the tank towards the end of this marathon trip. Coup De Pinceau has no stamina concerns over this trip as he arrives on the back of landing a 100-1 shock in the four-mile chase on the Cheltenham hunter chase evening. Jerrysback has a touch of class but he's become something of an enigmatic character and his last two runs have been way below par. Flying Verse looks to have it all to do but the best form of Ballyrath would give him some sort of chance.
Via Dolorosa (FR) Evensfav (11-9) Led, not fluent 7th, went right and bumped rival 8th, ridden home turn, pressed 2 out, headed last, rallied flat, not reach winner, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Bbold (11-2) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp (3) gd in May.
Coup De Pinceau (FR) 100-1 (12-2) Chased leaders slightly hampered by faller 10th, went 2nd at 17th, led 2 out, strongly pressed run-in, found extra towards finish, won at Cheltenham 4m (4) gd in Apr beating Law Of Gold (12-2) by nk, 12 ran.
Jerrysback (IRE) 14-1 (11-11) In rear, slow 4th, mistake 6th, mistake and struggling 11th, tailed off 13th, 6th of 7, dist behind Broken Quest (12-0) at Market Rasen 3m hcp (3) gd in May.
Ballyrath (IRE) 15-2 (11-9) Handy, ridden and pressed before 3 out, slow jump final fence, weakened run-in, 5th of 9, 14 3/4l behind Light Flicker (10-13) at Haydock 3m 2f hcp (4) gs in Apr.
Flying Verse 17-2 (10-13) Held up in rear, headway 9th, chased winner 14th, hit 16th, well held from 4 out, 2nd of 5, 27l behind Sizing Cusimano (12-0) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp (3) gd in May.
