never fluent, chased leader until after 4th, 2nd again 6th, challenged and mistake 3 out, led approaching last, driven and hung left run-in, stayed on
not fluent 1st, raced wide, chased leading pair, went 2nd after 4th until 6th, outpaced and no chance after 4 out
led, quickened tempo and not fluent 11th, mistake 3 out, headed approaching last, held when slightly hampered and switched right run-in, kept on
BRAVE EAGLE probably has the strongest credentials among this trio as he’s already won around here over hurdles and made a winning start over fences at Worcester, though he’ll be even better over a longer distance. Jaleo beat a subsequent winner at Worcester in June but didn't fire when favourite for a decent handicap at Southwell next time. He still has time on his side and rates a danger. Exxaro is the most exposed of these and also the lowest rated so it will be a surprise if he beats a couple of promising novices off level terms.
Brave Eagle (IRE) 4-9fav (11-5) Mostly tracked leader, ridden after 3 out, challenging when not fluent 2 out, led last, stayed on, won at Worcester 2m 7f (4) gd in Jul beating Thumb Stone Blues (11-5) by 1 3/4l, 5 ran.
Exxaro (IRE) 9-4 (11-6) Led to before 3rd, in touch, led again 5th, not fluent and headed 10th, tracked winner, led again briefly 14th, not fluent 4 out, soon outpaced, no chance in clear 2nd after, 2nd of 6, 32l behind Beat That (11-0) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f (3) gd in Aug.
Jaleo (GER) 7-2fav (11-11) In touch, ridden and weakened from 4 out, 8th of 11, 28 1/4l behind Voix D'Eau (11-12) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Aug.
