tracked rival, moved upsides briefly after 5 out, niggled along to challenge 4 out, led 2 out, in command flat
led rival, joined briefly after 5 out, shoved along and headed 2 out, soon ridden, held flat
Just the three runners but a fascinating little heat, not least due to the riders involved. River Indus is an out-and-out stayer who returned to form in pleasing style last time and will surely set out out to try and run the finish out of his opponents. However, MARLEYBOW is a more than capable performer at his best and returned to action with an excellent effort last time hunting up the in-form Mauriska at Haydock. This looks a good opportunity to get back on the scoresheet. American World has shown little or nothing in recent months but this is his time of year and he can't be discounted.
American World (FR) 16-1 (11-12) Chased leaders until 7th, lost place next, last and struggling 10th, tailed off, 8th of 9, well behind Digital Media (9-11) at Chepstow 2m 3f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd.
River Indus 10-3fav (10-6) Led and disputed, led narrowly 6th, narrowly headed 9th, led 12th until next, led again approaching 4 out, driven and stayed on under pressure flat, won at Fontwell 3m 4f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd beating Abbey Dore (10-11) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Marleybow (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) Prominent, went 2nd at the 8th, led after 5 out, headed and blundered 2 out, rallied from last and soon every chance, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 8, 2 1/4l behind Maurisca (11-13) at Haydock 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Mar.
