jumped right, led, mistake 1st, not fluent next, headed 4 out, weakening when mistake next
tracked leader until 3rd, stayed in touch, about 6 lengths 4th when stumbled and unseated rider just after 3 out
tracked leaders, 2nd from 3rd, not fluent 5th, led 4 out, headed before last, no impression flat
held up, headway 4th, went 2nd 3 out, led before last, ridden clear flat
held up, mistake 5th, outpaced 8th, last when fell 3 out
held up, took keen hold, mistake 5th, headway 8th, not fluent 9th, one pace 3 out, weakened next
Nonrunner
A very competitive handicap and Paul Webber, who won the race in 2013 with Tindaro, will be hoping another grey, Australia Day, gives a good account. The top weight can be hard to pass when on-song but isn't getting any younger. WORKBENCH is only 3lb higher than when landing this 12 months ago. He didn't have his ground later but still ran some nice races and looks poised for a repeat. Easily Pleased and Noble Friend may find this too tough off their present marks while Chris Pea Green will do better when the rains arrive. But Purple 'n Gold bounced back from a reverse at Kelso to score at Worcester and should make a bold bid to defy a penalty - he's preferred to the returning Oscar Hill.
Australia Day (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Led, headed after 3 out, soon one pace, no impression in 4th from next, 4th of 6, 19 3/4l behind Manhattan Swing (11-10) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Aug.
Chris Pea Green 7-2fav (11-2) Behind, struggling 7th, headway 2 out, never nearer, 4th of 7, 34 1/4l behind Un Ace (11-3) at Ascot 2m 1f hcp (2) gs in Mar.
Purple 'n Gold (IRE) 5-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, ridden to challenge 3 out, every chance next, led last, ran on well, won at Worcester 2m hcp (3) gd in Sep beating Benefit Cut (11-2) by 3 1/4l, 9 ran.
Workbench (FR) 12-1 (10-0) Behind, headway 12th, driven to chase leaders before 3 out, soon outpaced, never on terms, 5th of 12, 18l behind Standing Ovation (10-0) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp (1) gs in Aug.
Noble Friend (IRE) 8-1 (10-6) Held up in rear, slightly hampered 2nd, headway after 7th, went 3rd last (normal 2 out), no impression on leading pair, 3rd of 8, 5 1/4l behind Low Key (11-12) at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Sep.
Easily Pleased (IRE) 11-4fav (11-11) Held up in rear, took keen hold and headway into 2nd after 4th, led next, jumped right from 6th, ridden and headed approaching last, no impression with winner flat, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Dream Bolt (10-12) at Newton Abbot 2m hcp (3) gd in Sep.
Oscar Hill (IRE) 50-1 (11-12) Disputed lead, fell 1st, at Punchestown 2m (1) Good - Yielding in Apr.
