led, hit 4 out, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, rallied lead again flat, driven out
tracked leaders, weakened approaching 3 out
in touch, led on bit approaching 2 out, hit last, headed flat, not quicken
held up, ridden 3 out, weakened after last
chased leader, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace from next
held up, ridden and weakened from 3 out
Blazing Bailey gets the nod over French raider Onnix, while Forest Green and Heathcote are also respected as dangers. The last named has claims at the weights but has a bit to prove after running no sort of race on his reappearance three weeks ago. He is entitled to be sharper for the outing but Eamon Dehdashti will need to keep the four-year-old up to his work if he is to deliver the goods today. Forest green has run to a consistent level and has been unfortunate to encounter some useful types on his travels to date. The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding does have plenty of scope for improvement, though, and a bold bid should be forthcoming. Onnix was second in a Listed race at Auteuil last month and obviously holds plenty of ability. He also holds valuable experience of racing at Haydock and is sure to make sure the rest know that have been in a race. Francois Doumen has a great record here and a market move would not be initiated without solid foundations today. However, Blazing Baileys is much better than he showed on his reappearance and is expected to be a different proposition now that he has got the benefit of a seasonal run behind him. It is worth remembering that he was a clear third best in last season's Triumph Hurdle and a repeat of that effort would make Blazing baileys very much the one to beat.
Blazing Bailey 14-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 10th of 21, 14l behind Acambo (10-4) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) gd in May.
Orpen Wide (IRE) 9-1 (11-7) Held up, progress 5th, outpaced 3 out, rallied approaching last, stayed on, 4th of 9, 4l behind Moon Over Miami (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gd.
Slew Charm (FR) 8-1 (10-13) Mid-division, headway 3 out, pressed winner next, every chance last, not quicken, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Dusky Lord (11-2) at Sandown 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd.
Onnix (FR) (11-0) 2nd of 20, hd behind Meneur (10-9) at Auteuil 2m 2f hcp hvy in Oct.
Heathcote 16-1 (9-11) Mid-division, ridden after 3 out, soon beaten, 10th of 15, 26l behind Desert Quest (11-12) at Ascot 2m hcp hdl (2) gf in Oct.
Forest Green (FR) 7-2 (11-5) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders after 4 out, one pace from next, 3rd of 18, 16l behind Tidal Bay (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Oct.
