mid-division, weakened 9th, beaten 4 out
tracked leader, led approaching 5 out, hard ridden when pressed after last, held on gamely
pushed along in rear, slow 7th, never dangerous
led until approaching 5 out, rallied 3 out, kept on well under pressure closing stages
soon chasing leaders, effort when blundered and unseated rider 4 out
slow 1st, in rear, headway from 9th, chased leaders 5 out, under pressure 3 out, ran on after last, never able to challenge
held up towards rear, headway 6 out, chased leaders next, weakened approaching 3 out, behind when pulled up next
tracked leader, ridden to challenge 3 out, stayed on well after last
Most of these are already regulars on the veterans' circuit but not ROCKY CREEK, who ended last season with a third in a Grade 2 at Sandown and looks the pick of the weights. Saint Are, second in the 2015 Grand National, won one of these at Doncaster in February and is only 3lb higher. He is still capable of decent form while Loose Chips won at Kempton in April when Theatrical Star was an early faller. Double Ross is better over shorter, however, while Court By Surprise and Your Busy are looking lights of former days. Dineur has been in good form over the summer but is probably back in the handicapper's grip now.
Saint Are (FR) 25-1 (11-3) Chased leader, led 5th until 3 out, weakened soon after, 10th of 20, 22 1/4l behind The Young Master (11-1) at Sandown 3m 5f hcp (1) gd in Apr.
Double Ross (IRE) 80-1 (10-9) Led to 3rd, remained prominent until rider lost irons after 24th (2nd canal turn), not recover, pulled up before 26th, at Aintree 4m 2f hcp (1) sft in Apr.
Rocky Creek (IRE) 25-1 (11-6) Chased leader until 6th, chased leading pair until 15th, outpaced in 4th after 4 out, plugged on into modest 3rd run-in, 3rd of 7, 11l behind Menorah (11-10) at Sandown 2m 7f (1) gd in Apr.
Loose Chips 10-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, not fluent 1st, led after 3rd, headed when not fluent 9th, every chance 4 out, weakened before next, pulled up before 2 out, at Aintree 3m 1f hcp (2) gd in May.
Dineur (FR) 4-1 (11-7) Close up, ridden before 4 out, went 3rd from 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 7, 25 1/4l behind Casino Markets (10-6) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Theatrical Star 4-1 (11-9) Sometimes jumped right, with leader, led 3rd until ridden approaching 2 out, chased winner, no impression before last, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 6, 6l behind Young Dillon (11-12) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (3) gd in Sep.
Court By Surprise (IRE) 10-1 (11-8) Held up mid-division, went 7th before 2 out, soon ridden, no impression, 8th of 15, 30l behind Bob Tucker (10-11) at Kempton 3m hcp (3) gd in May.
Your Busy (IRE) 25-1 (9-10) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, weakened from 6 out, 9th of 18, dist behind Wrath Of Titans (9-10) at Listowel 3m hcp hvy in Sep.
