reminders to lead, clear until 5th, not fluent 4 out, headed when mistake 2 out, soon weakened, mistake last
chased clear leader, closed 5th, mistake 3 out, led before next, edged right after last, soon headed, no impression towards finish
held up, closed 5th, not fluent next or 4 out, went 2nd before 2 out, not much room last, led flat, pushed out
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
The four-year-old Royal Battalion finally got his act together over a shorter trip here 12 days ago but is 6lb higher and may not be entirely reliable. Roja Dove was beaten in a seller last time while Tijori has been struggling on the Flat lately and Popping Along hasn't reproduced the form she showed when beating Lolli at Worcester in two subsequent starts. UBALDO DES MENHIES was never travelling when favourite at Uttoxeter last month but we'll take a chance that he rediscovers his best form in this less-competitive affair and give him a tentative vote.
Tijori (IRE) 9-1 (10-3) Slowly into stride, soon in touch, outpaced over 2f out, well held over 1f out, 7th of 12, 18l behind Call It On (10-0) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Aug.
Royal Battalion 7-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders on inside, challenging when not much room on inside 2 out, ridden to lead and edged right briefly run-in, kept on well, won at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp (4) gs in Aug beating At First Light (11-0) by 1 1/4l, 8 ran.
Popping Along 11-4fav (10-12) In touch on inside, took keen hold, challenged 3 out, not fluent 2 out, weakened final 150 yards, 4th of 8, 14 1/2l behind Werenearlyoutofit (10-12) at Worcester 2m 4f (4) gd in Jul.
Ubaldo Des Menhies (FR) 9-4fav (11-11) Prominent, led 5th, headed before 3 out, soon beaten, last of 10, 33 1/4l behind Alwaystheoptimist (11-10) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Roja Dove (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Mid-division, headway 3 out, went 2nd between last 2, driven and kept on same pace from last, no impression with winner, 2nd of 12, 6l behind Fair Loch (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f (5) gd in Aug.
