tracked leader, led 12th, ridden and headed 3 out, kept on one pace, lost 3rd towards finish
prominent, led 3 out, ridden and headed next, kept on one pace
close up, progress to join leader 3 out, led next, clear last, comfortably
led, headed 12th, soon ridden, kept on one pace, went 3rd towards finish
close up, pushed along 10th, in rear from 11th, soon struggling
Investment Affair was a ready winner over C&D last month when Leopold and Grenoli finished behind. But he faded out of contention under a penalty at Fontwell next time and has gone up a further 5lb in the weights since. The Laodicean was second to Milgen Bay at Towcester on his chasing bow and should find a small race soon but this can go to MORENITO. He travelled like a winner at Fontwell last month but a mistake at the second-last knocked the stuffing out of him and he faded to finish third. This looks less competitive and compensation awaits with a clear round.
The Laodicean 6-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 3rd until next, not fluent 8th or 4 out, chased winner approaching last, well held, just held on for 2nd, 2nd of 5, 16l behind Milgen Bay (11-2) at Towcester 2m mdn chs (5) gd.
Morenito (FR) 7-1 (11-2) Chased leading trio, went 3rd 7th, tracked leader next, led 3 out, not fluent and headed last, weakened and lost 2nd run in, 3rd of 6, 10l behind Double Chocolate (11-1) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Oct.
Investment Affair (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Held up in 3rd, closer order 9th, went 2nd 11th, every chance 4 out, weakened after 2 out, 4th of 6, 18l behind Tenzing (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-95 (5) sft in Oct.
Grenoli (FR) 16-1 (11-5) Held up, outpaced from 12th, 6th of 9, 19l behind Investment Affair (11-4) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd in Oct.
Leopold (SLO) 20-1 (11-0) Mid-division, outpaced from 12th, 5th of 9, 15l behind Investment Affair (11-4) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd in Oct.
Michigan Assassin (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Led narrowly, blundered and headed 3rd, tracked leaders, lost place 4 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Restezen D'armor (11-12) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Sep, 9 ran.
