in touch, joined leader approaching 3 out, led 2 out, ran on well, ridden out
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
never better than mid-division
mistake 1st, towards rear, some headway after 5th, no further impression from next
led until 2nd, prominent, ridden approaching 2 out, soon one pace
mid-division until weakened approaching 3 out
tracked leaders, led after 5th, jumped slightly left from 3 out, headed 2 out, not pace of winner
mid-division, not fluent 3rd, weakened approaching 3 out
always behind, tailed off from 5th
mid-division, not fluent 3rd, ridden after 5th, kept on same pace
tracked leader, led 2nd, headed and slightly outpaced approaching 3 out, stayed on again to go 3rd flat
in touch, ridden in close 3rd when not fluent 3 out, kept on same pace, lost 3rd flat
Beau Michel can get Paul Nicholls off to a flyer, with Giveusaclue and Annie Fleetwood expected to prove the main threats. The ex-French Beau Michel scored on his only British appearance so far, at Worcester nearly six months ago, a result that pleased his trainer as he had not done that much work. He will no doubt be stepped up in trip as time goes on and is seen as an exciting chasing prospect for next year by his trainer. In the meantime, he will hopefully pay his way over timber, and may have too much class for Giveusaclue. The latter by coincidence is also seen a future chaser, and the fact that this easy Carlisle bumper winner makes his debut over timber today allows us to pass him over on this occasion. Annie Fleetwood was having her first outing since May when third over further here a fortnight ago, and should strip fitter now. The drop back in trip may help as well, and she makes more appeal than the likes of Saunders Road and the Turnell newcomer High Jack who should be watched in the market. Beau Michel is the pick.
Beau Michel (FR) 6-4fav (11-0) Mid-division, headway after 6f, ridden and switched right over 3f out, led over 2f out, hung left approaching final furlong, ridden out, won at Worcester 2m nhf (6) gs in May beating Costa Courta (11-0) by 6l, 12 ran.
Bethebestyoucanbe 100-1 (10-11) Hit 6th, always towards rear, 10th of 11, well behind Albertas Run (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m nov hdl (4) sft.
Billy Bray 28-1 (11-3) Always towards rear, 10th of 15, well behind Star Shot (11-3) at Chepstow 2m nh mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Brinkmanship (USA) 6-1 (10-11) Led, headed over 4f out, soon weakened, 7th of 11, 28l behind Super Nick (10-7) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) sft.
Danzig Conquest 10-1 (10-13) Led, ridden and headed 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 6th of 8, 38l behind Clyffe Hanger (11-4) at Exeter 2m 1f nhf (H) gd in Apr '05.
Deep Moon (IRE) 66-1 (11-3) Held up, ridden 5th, weakened next, 7th of 10, well behind Principe Azzurro (11-3) at Warwick 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb.
Giveusaclue (IRE) 4-5fav (11-0) Held up in touch, headway to lead 3f out, drew clear over 1f out, won at Carlisle 2m 1f nhf (6) sft beating Tom's Toybox (10-11) by 13l, 15 ran.
High Jack (IRE) Supreme Leader gelding, brother to winning chaser Caught At Dawn, half-brother to winning chaser Kew Jumper.
Iamwhatiam 100-1 (10-11) Mid-division, no chance from 3 out, 12th of 15, well behind Kontinent (11-0) at Stratford 2m mdn hdl (4) gd.
Melba Toast Zaffaran gelding, half-brother to winning chaser Duncliffe.
Onlybegoneanhour 150-1 (10-7) Not fluent, blundered 2nd, always behind, tailed off from 6th, 10th of 11, well behind Here's Johnny (10-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft.
Saunders Road (IRE) 6-1 (11-4) In rear after 2f when pulled up in race won by Aux Le Bahnn (10-13) at Warwick 2m nhf (H) sft in Dec, 17 ran.
Sea Eagle (IRE) 16-1 (10-10) Mid-division, ridden 4f out, no impression, 9th of 17, 32l behind Barbers Shop (10-10) at Wincanton 2m mdn nhf (6) sft in Mar.
Wazalino Wace gelding out of a lightly-raced mare.
Annie Fleetwood 7-2 (10-10) Mid-division, dropped rear 5th, headway 8th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 10, 12l behind Fountain Crumble (10-10) at Exeter 2m 6f amt nov hdl (4) gd.
Im Busy 20-1 (10-5) Held up, headway 4th, led before next, headed 3 out, weakened 2 out, 5th of 15, 29l behind Apollo Lady (10-10) at Worcester 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gs.
Paul Superstar (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Held up, shortlived effort over 3f out, soon weakened, 5th of 6, 25l behind Catherine's Run (10-12) at Fontwell 1m 6f nhf (6) gf in Sept.
