led until 10th, weakening when blundered 11th, behind and pulled up before 13th
chased leaders, outpaced after 13th, staying on when left 3rd 3 out, went 2nd run-in, no chance with winner
held up, ridden after 11th, weakened after 13th, pulled up before 3 out
held up, hit 6th, smooth headway 11th, led 3 out, easily
tracked leader, mistake 6th, ridden approaching 4 out, left 2nd 3 out, drifted left approaching last, weakened flat
tracked leader, ridden and headed soon after 4 out, 2 lengths 2nd when blundered badly and unseated rider next
This looks to be a match-up between Vivid Imagination and Santando and the confident vote is given to Santando. The selection was a good second behind Joe Lively last time out, and the form looks solid as that horse has been progressive all season. With improvement likely under conditions that suit he is hard to oppose. Vivid Imagination rates the main danger on his latest second behind Dev but although he travels well in his races he often finds less than expected off the bridle and at the likely odds he is taken on. Classic Clover was tailed off in a race won by Grand Slam Hero last time out but this looks easier, while Otantiqu is sure to have been well schooled for this his chasing debut and he should be watched in the market. But Santando sets a fair standard and he is our idea of the winner.
Big Business 10-1 (11-10) Led 3rd, headed, hit 7th, weakened quickly 3 out, 10th of 12, well behind Rash Moment (10-8) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Aug.
Classic Clover 12-1 (11-9) Chased leaders until 8th, lost touch 11th, tailed off, 5th of 9, well behind Grand Slam Hero (11-9) at N Abbot 2m 5f beg chs (4) gs in Jul.
Oat Hill 125-1 (10-12) Keen, chased leader to 5th, weakened before next, tailed off, last of 15, well behind Willie Pep (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gf in Sept.
Otantique (FR) 11-4fav (10-13) Mid-division, headway 9th, went 2nd 4 out, not fluent 2 out, weakened after last, 3rd of 13, 11l behind Hi Humpfree (11-9) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in May.
Santando 5-2 (11-6) In touch, chased leader from 4 out, ridden and every chance 2 out, edged left under pressure flat, one pace, 2nd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Joe Lively (11-6) at Lingfield 3m beg chs (4) gf in Sept.
Vivid Imagination (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 7th, not fluent 4 out, not trouble winner, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Dev (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m nov chs (4) gd in Sept.
