held up off the pace in last pair, headway on outside approaching 2 out, went 2nd 2 out, every chance last, 3rd and one pace in run-in
chased clear leading pair until 6th and dropped to 5th, pushed laong and struggling when mistake and reminder 8th, weakened next, tailed off
chased leader and clear of rest, challenged and every chance 3 out, lost 2nd and not much room next, soon beaten
led and set strong pace, joined 3 out, kept slight advantage until headed last, edged left and kept on same pace run-in
off the pace in 4th, closer in 3rd at 6th, ridden between last 2, stayed on to lead narrowly last, kept on gamely and came clear run-in
held up off the pace in 5th, closer in 4th at 6th, pressing leaders 2 out, switched left approaching last, driven and one pace in 4th run-in
well in rear, blundered 3rd, never remotely involved, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
Lord Lir had nothing more to give when Thinger Licht sailed by up the home straight at Kempton. After 24 tries, he's still seeking a first victory under Rules. STAR PRESENTER (NAP) finished 15 lengths ahead of recent course and distance winner The Informant when beating My Silver Cloud over track and trip in March. He's only a couple of pounds worse off today so should confirm that form and Owner Occupier would have to be cherry-ripe after a lengthy absence to cause him problems. Mac's Grey is also returning from a lay-off and has had jumping issues in the past.
Star Presenter (IRE) 5-4fav (11-12) Held up in rear but in touch, blundered 4th, hard driven to challenge approaching 2 out, mistake last, no extra closing stages, 2nd of 4, 2 3/4l behind Faith Jicaro (11-7) at Plumpton 2m 1f hcp chs 0-100 (5) gf in Apr.
The Informant 4-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, went 2nd and challenged 4 out, led narrowly next, ridden after last, kept on, won at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd in Apr beating Popaflora (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 7 ran.
Lord Lir (IRE) 14-1 (10-11) Prominent, led 3rd, headed 3 out, no impression on winner from next, stayed on same pace, 2nd of 8, 12l behind Thinger Licht (10-12) at Kempton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd.
Owner Occupier 8-1 (9-8) Chased leaders, left in close 2nd after 5th, mistake and lost 2nd 2 out, soon dropped to 4th, rallied into 3rd at the last, kept on same pace flat, 3rd of 12, 10l behind Going Nowhere Fast (9-13) at Stratford 2m 4yo Am hcp 0-100 (5) gs in Aug.
Houseparty 9-1 (9-10) Held up towards rear, blundered 5th, in remote 4th when refused 3 out, in a race won by Courtown Oscar (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-100 (5) hvy, 7 ran.
Mac's Grey (IRE) 9-2 (10-4) In rear, went 3rd 5 out, one pace and looking held when blundered and unseated rider 2 out, in a race won by Alright Benny (10-13) at Plumpton 2m 4f hcp 0-100 (5) hvy in Nov, 5 ran.
Stafford Charlie 33-1 (9-11) Held up in rear, took keen hold, closed after 5th, not fluent 7th, hampered 4 out, weakened last, 4th of 8, 14l behind Thinger Licht (10-9) at Worcester 2m 4f cond hcp chs (5) gs.
