tracked leaders, outpaced 9th, rallied 4 out, no extra after 2 out
tracked leader, led approaching 7th, strongly challenged 3 out, headed before last, soon rallied, kept on well towards finish
chased leaders, took closer order 9th, chased leader next, led approaching last, weakening and no extra close home, held on
led until approaching 7th, weakened before 5 out, modest 4th, tailed off
Nonrunner
This all revolves around whether GREY GOLD is ready to roll on his first start since February. He is rated at least 19lb higher than his rivals and it's difficult to see King Alfonso and Magical Man getting anywhere near on these terms. Flying Eagle's fitness is guaranteed but he's become hard to predict. Red Riverman might have stronger claims but he doesn't really handle heavy going.
Flying Eagle (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, led briefly from 3rd, lost place from 5 out, soon outpaced, 11th of 12, dist behind Midnight Shot (11-9) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Sep.
Red Riverman 7-1 (9-9) Held up towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, no impression final 2f, 5th of 7, 6 1/4l behind Incus (9-8) at Ffos Las 1m 6f hcp (6) gs in Aug.
Grey Gold (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Chased leaders, pushed along after 4th, mistake 5 out, soon weakened, 5th of 7, dist behind Sew On Target (10-6) at Chepstow 2m hcp (2) sft in Feb.
Magical Man 4-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, mistake 1st, not fluent 7th, headway to chase leaders 9th, driven to challenge when mistake 4 out, soon weakened, 5th of 7, 27 1/2l behind How About It (11-12) at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Mar.
King Alfonso 9-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden after last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 8, 8 1/2l behind Mercian King (12-0) at Worcester 2m hcp (4) gf in Oct.
