held up in 4th on inside, went 3rd before 4th, edged left from before 3 out, went 2nd before 2 out, strong challenge run-in, stayed on best to lead final 110 yards, won going away
led briefly, tracked clear leader, closer at 4th, led 3 out, headed and lost 2nd before next, stayed on same pace in 3rd, no chance with leading duo, weakened into 4th run-in, lost that placing towards finish
raced in 3rd until before 4th, chased leaders, led before 2 out, wandered approaching the last, ridden and strongly pressed run-in, headed and no extra final 110 yards
went steadily to post, led and raced keenly, soon clear, reduced lead before 4th, headed 3 out, soon ridden and outpaced, rallied into modest 3rd run-in
held up in 5th on inside, outpaced and hung left from 3 out, beaten when pecked next, plugged on into modest 4th towards finish
always behind, never a factor, tailed off
NonRunner
Presentandcounting has won four of his five starts since reverting to hurdles but is taking on much better opposition in this, though does have the highest official rating ahead of Quid Pro Quo who is 2-2 over timber. Accidental Rebel rattled up a hat-trick before finding Translink a neck too good in a handicap at Worcester in August but we’re inclined to take a chance on the returning DEEPER BLUE as the penny dropped with Harry Fry’s gelding in the spring when he was an impressive winner at Fontwell and Exeter. After placing in a couple of Grade 2 contests, Scipion broke his maiden here in March but might find this an insufficient test of stamina. Outlaw Peter looks the pick of the remainder.
Accidental Rebel 5-4fav (11-13) Chased leaders, challenged 7th, soon led, hanging left from before 3 out, wandered after 2 out, headed close home, 2nd of 8, nk behind Translink (11-6) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Hector Javilex (FR) 5-6fav (11-7) Made all, pushed along after 3 out, not fluent 2 out, ridden and strongly pressed before last, good jump final flight, stayed on well, edged right closing stages, asserted towards finish, won at Ludlow 2m 5f (4) gd in Mar beating Kayf Taoi (11-0) by 1 3/4l, 4 ran.
Outlaw Peter (IRE) (11-4) Made all, jumped well, in command when pushed along and reminders before final flight, kept on well, unchallenged, won at Kempton 2m 5f mdn (4) gd in May beating Kilfilum Woods (11-4) by 11l, 4 ran.
Presentandcounting (IRE) 11-4fav (11-9) Pressed leader, led 6th, clear before 3 out, stayed on well, won at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Sep beating Light N Strike (12-0) by 10l, 12 ran.
Quid Pro Quo (IRE) 1-5fav (11-9) Held up, hung right on bend after 6th, went 2nd approaching 7th, took it up travelling easily 2 out, clear last, won at his ease, won at Newton Abbot 2m 6f (4) gd in Jun beating Vis A Vis (11-2) by 7l, 6 ran.
Gentle Connections 8-11fav (11-10) Led 2nd, in command 2 out, clear last, comfortably, won at Newton Abbot 2m 6f (3) gd in Jun beating Miss Chantelle (11-0) by 3 3/4l, 6 ran.
Deeper Blue (FR) 5-2fav (11-13) Tracked front pair, pressed leader 3 out, pushed along and led 2 out, edged right before last, kept on well, readily, won at Exeter 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Mar beating Stormy Flight (11-12) by 6l, 8 ran.
Scipion (IRE) 1-4fav (11-8) Chased leader, went right on bend after 3rd, pushed along home turn, mistake 3 out, ridden to lead narrowly approaching last, went clear flat, won at Chepstow 3m mdn (4) gs in Mar beating Phantom Getaway (11-8) by 3 1/4l, 4 ran.
Legionar (GER) 11-10fav (10-11) Tracked leaders, left 2nd at 6th, ridden to lead approaching last, ran on, won at Sedgefield 2m 4f (4) gd in Sep beating Sizing Mauritius (11-7) by 10l, 6 ran.
