slowly into stride, soon recovered, led over 4f out, pushed along over 2f out, held on well towards finish
broke well and crossed to stands rail, led over 1f, chased winner until pushed along over 1f out, soon ridden, one pace final furlong
held up in touch, pushed along 3f out, ridden 2f out, one pace
held up and behind, ridden over 2f out, beaten over 1f out
chased leading pair, ridden and went 2nd over 1f out, every chance well inside final furlong, ran on
slowly into stride, held up and behind, niggled along over 3f out, ridden and short-lived effort on stands rail well over 1f out
MAJOR VALENTINE has landed three of his last five in decisive fashion - all at this venue. He has struck up an excellent rapport with Kate Leahy, who has now partnered the O'Shea gelding to five victories from his last nine outings. The handicapper has taken no chances by upping him a further 7lb but he seems sure to go well once again. Eve Johnson Houghton's saddles progressive three-year-old Gambon, who looks dangerous on the back of a decisive hold-up success here latest with Dark Shadow suggested as next best.
Major Valentine 13-2 (9-7) Made all, pushed clear over 1f out, readily, won at Chepstow 6f hcp (4) gs in Aug beating Smokey Lane (8-10) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
Bungee Jump (IRE) 5-1 (10-0) Led, pushed along over 2f out, headed inside final 2f, weakened quickly over 1f out, last of 6, 10 3/4l behind Show Stealer (10-0) at Windsor 6f hcp fll (4) gd in Aug.
Dark Shadow (IRE) 20-1 (8-9) Mid-division, weakened inside final 2f, 8th of 16, 6 1/4l behind Show Stealer (8-11) at Windsor 6f hcp (2) gf in Jul.
Red Alert 12-1 (9-11) Dwelt, held up in last pair, good headway on outside over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, ran on, not reach winner, 2nd of 9, nk behind Tin Hat (9-7) at Brighton 6f hcp (4) gf in Aug.
A Sure Welcome 11-4 (9-12) Reared slightly and slowly into stride, held up, ridden and headway over 1f out, strong run to lead close home, won at Chepstow 5f hcp (5) gs in Aug beating Somewhere Secret (9-4) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Gambon (GER) 5-1 (9-4) Held up and behind, smooth headway on stands rail 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, soon edged left, ran on well, won at Chepstow 6f hcp (4) gs in Aug beating Alicia Darcy (9-2) by 2 3/4l, 5 ran.