led, driven along from 6th, headed next, led again after 4 out, headed after 3 out, kept on
soon prominent, led 7th until after 4 out, soon weakened
mid-division, blundered 5th, ridden and effort after 4 out, one pace from next
held up towards rear, headway after 4 out, soon ridden, went 3rd approaching last, kept on
held up last, smooth headway from 8th, tracked leaders 4 out, led soon after 3 out, ran on well
in touch, went 2nd after 4 out, soon ridden, weakened flat
in touch, ridden after 8th, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out
held up, headway from 9th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, kept on same pace
always towards rear
hit 1st, went right 2nd, always towards rear
chased leaders, ridden after 9th, weakened approaching 3 out
mid-division, outpaced after 8th, stayed on again from 3 out
chased leaders, mistake 8th, weakened after next
in touch, ridden after 9th, soon beaten
Romany Dream is the pick ahead of Twentytwosilver, Native Commander and Faddad, with Better Moment also added to the short-list. Romany Dream was successful twice at Fontwell two years ago, and although not fantastically handicapped compared to then, has shown enough this year to suggest that his turn is near again. He ran a fine race in defeat when chasing home Toulouse at Southwell last month, and with ground conditions to suit, should go close. Twentytwosilver made his debut over fences a winning one at Taunton in April and has since won a 12 furlong race on the Flat at Kempton. He has to be of interest with time on his side, while Native Commander in contrast is getting a bit long in the tooth now but is on a fair mark and has shown that he still has what it takes to be involved at the business end. Faddad has a light weight and has been knocking at the door, and Better Moment has the assistance of Tony McCoy in his bid to shrug off joint topweight. Romany Dream can register a third course win.
Better Moment (IRE) 6-1 (10-11) Led, mistake 4th, headed 6th, soon ridden and lost place, no chance when fell at the last in race won by Wild Power (10-7) at N Abbot 2m hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Apr, 7 ran.
Romany Dream 10-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead approaching 3 out, soon headed, kept on same pace, 2nd of 9, 5l behind Toulouse (11-10) at Southwell 2m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gf in May.
Maclean 13-2 (10-8) In touch, ridden 3 out, in 4th and weakening when unseated rider at the last in race won by Moon Catcher (11-2) at Stratford 2m 3f amt hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft in May, 10 ran.
Native Commander (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Held up in rear, headway 6th, ridden and one pace from 3 out, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Lord Baskerville (10-9) at Stratford 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) sft in May.
Twentytwosilver (IRE) 9-1 (11-1) Held up, headway after 7th, went 2nd approaching last, ridden, strong run to lead close home, won at Taunton 2m hcp chs 0-90 (5) frm in Apr beating Auditor (9-13) by a nk, 12 ran.
Bell Rock 10-3 (11-10) Held up, blundered 2nd, lost place 9th, 9th of 11, 35l behind Erins Lass (11-1) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-90 (F) gd in Aug.
River Amora (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Always prominent, ridden before 4 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 11, 6l behind Just Muckin Around (11-10) at Fontwell 2m 2f sll hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd in May.
Faddad (USA) 5-1 (10-4) Held up, struggling 9th, headway after 2 out, stayed on well, never nearer, 2nd of 8, 3l behind Rob The Five (11-9) at Fakenham 2m 5f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in May.
