left in lead 1st, knuckled on landing and headed 10th, rallied to lead again before 2 out, veered right last, jockey lost iron briefly, hung right and soon headed, held after, straightened up and stayed on
held up, jumped slowly 8th, went 2nd 11th until 4 out, jumped right and weakened 2 out
held up behind leaders, went 3rd 2 out, jumped right last, no impression on leaders
led, knuckled on landing and unseated rider 1st
left tracking leader 1st, challenged 8th, left in lead 10th, headed approaching 2 out, edged right and led flat, stayed on
Royal Max was just about the pick of these over hurdles but only beat one home on his chasing bow at Stratford and has something to find to overturn that form with runner-up Captain Sully, who was taking on better opposition next time. Stage Acclaim has a penalty for victory at Uttoxeter last month and was beaten a distance on a return visit to the track 13 days ago, but Irish import The Wifes Pet produced an improved performance to finish second at Market Rasen earlier this month and should take a hand in the finish. BUDDY HOLLY is already a winner on the Flat and over timber. Providing his fencing holds up, he could have too much pace for these on this sharp track and can give trainer Robert Eddery a winner with his first runner under NH Rules.
Stage Acclaim (IRE) 3-1 (11-5) Tracked leader, not fluent 9th, ridden approaching 4 out, soon lost place, 4th of 5, well behind Comehomequietly (10-12) at Worcester 2m 7f nov chs (4) gd.
Buddy Holly 10-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, under pressure halfway, soon beaten, tailed off, 8th of 10, well behind Fujin Dancer (10-6) at Fakenham 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Mar.
Captain Sully (IRE) 11-2 (11-2) Held up in 5th, headway after 6th, weakened 3 out, mistake 2 out, tailed off, 5th of 7, 50l behind Lord Jay Jay (11-5) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gf.
Royal Max (IRE) 13-8fav (11-5) Led, hit 1st, headed 3 out, ridden after 2 out, soon outpaced, 5th of 6, 17l behind Mayberry (10-12) at Stratford 2m 1f nov chs (4) gf in Jul.
The Wifes Pet (IRE) 7-1 (10-8) Took keen hold early, held up in touch, headway 9th, chased winner after 4 out, hit 3 out, held when not much room flat, 2nd of 5, 1 3/4l behind Taratata Sivola (10-0) at Market Rasen 2m 4f nov chs (4) gd.