led, headed 3 out, soon ridden, ran on to press leader last, kept on, always held
chased leader, ridden before 3 out, led 3 out, mistake 2 out, pressed approaching last, edged left run-in, stayed on well, always doing enough
held up in last, mistake 4 out, pushed along and lost touch before 3 out
ridden from start and unseated rider 1st
chased leaders early, dropped towards rear before 4th, pushed along 3 out, mistake 2 out, plugged on
A drop of rain wouldn’t have come amiss but this should be plain sailing for six-times chase winner DILIGENT who opened his account over the smaller obstacles at Newton Abbot with the minimum of fuss. Little Jessture, a bumper winner last year, might be the one for forecast-backers.
Diligent (FR) 4-9fav (10-12) Disputed lead until led 5th, soon 6 lengths clear, reduced lead 3 out, increased lead again next, comfortable, won at Newton Abbot 2m 6f (4) gd in Sep beating Every Breakin Wave (11-12) by 21l, 4 ran.
Battle March (USA) 22-1 (10-13) Never better than midfield, 6th of 12, 32l behind Butte Montana (11-4) at Stratford 2m mdn (4) gd in Jun.
Loup De Maulde (FR) 100-1 (10-12) Always in rear, 9th of 11, dist behind Fruit N Nut (11-0) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f mdn (4) gd in Sep.
Raased (IRE) 40-1 (9-11) Held up towards rear, ridden over 4f out, well beaten final 3f, last of 10, dist behind Legend Of Dubai (9-2) at Ffos Las 1m 4f stks (5) gd in Aug.
Little Jessture (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Close up, ridden 3 out, weakened next, 7th of 8, dist behind Ginger Du Val (10-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f (4) gd in Sep.