held up in rear, headway over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, led inside final furlong, kept on towards finish
reared start and slowly away, towards rear, headway over 4f out, led over 3f out, ridden and headed 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
slowly into stride, reminders early, led after 2f, headed over 3f out, soon weakened
led 2f, chased leader, pushed along and weakened 3f out
chased leaders, weakened over 3f out
held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, led 2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on and held towards finish
mid-division, headway over 3f out, kept on final furlong
This shouldn't take too much winning and affords a strong opportunity for ROYAL OPERA to notch a second success of the campaign. A repeat of his runner-up effort to Just Lille in a decent Catterick claimer would suffice, since when he has confirmed his wellbeing with a close third in a Uttoxeter handicap hurdle. Rawaafed is the clear form danger after producing a trio of reasonable handicap efforts in modest grade. Quick ground suits and more rain would not be in his favour. Irons On Fire has also been performing with credit in Class 6 handicap company in the past month or so and consequently merits shortlist inclusion.
Rawaafed (IRE) 11-2 (9-7) Led to halfway, one pace from over 1f out, finished 4th disqualified and placed last, in a race won by All Or Nothin (9-7) at Redcar 7f sell stks (6) gf, 9 ran.
Royal Opera 5-1 (8-6) Tracked leader, led after 3f, soon clear, ridden over 2f out, headed over 1f out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 11, 1 1/4l behind Just Lille (8-12) at Catterick 1m 4f clm stks (6) gf.
Irons On Fire (USA) 25-1 (8-2) Mid-division, took keen hold, headway 8f out, led over 6f out, soon clear, headed inside final furlong, no extra when not much room towards finish, 4th of 15, 2 1/2l behind Green Earth (8-12) at Brighton 1m 2f hcp 0-60 (6) gf.
Imtithal (IRE) 25-1 (8-11) Held up in last trio, ridden inside final 3f, soon weakened, last of 8, 25l behind Yojojo (8-12) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Bix (IRE) 8-1 (8-9) Prominent, led over 8f out, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 9, 9l behind Sleepy Haven (8-9) at Ripon 1m 2f 3yo & 4yo sll (6) gd.
Chloe's Image 50-1 (8-12) Always towards rear, last of 9, 27l behind Grey Blue (9-3) at Beverley 1m 2yo mdn aut (5) gd in Aug.
Dutch Delight 50-1 (8-0) Keen held up, ridden over 2f out, never a factor, 8th of 13, 12l behind Mad Jazz (8-11) at Pontefract 1m 2f fll hcp (5) gd.