held up towards rear, pushed along before 4 out, never dangerous
always behind, never a factor
tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd from 4 out until last, no extra
held up in touch, went 4th 3 out, weakened from 2 out
made all, kept on strongly from last
tracked winner to 4 out, regained 2nd last, no chance with winner
This looks a decent contest, though course and distance winner Indian Voyage and Nautical Twilight are both returning from a break with the former better on ground with some give. Theflyingportrait has been in terrific form and, though carrying a penalty for his latest easy win at Perth, has to go on the short-list. Roman Flight beat a useful sort at Stratford in July but is still creeping up the weights. GURKHA BRAVE (NAP) has been racing over longer trips this summer and could be some value back over his best distance give he only weakened off the home turn when fifth at Stratford last month. Imjoeking has plenty to prove at present.
Roman Flight (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Held up, closed from 7th, outpaced before 4 out, hung left and rallied flat, went 2nd close home, unable to quite reach winner, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Owen Na View (11-0) at Worcester 2m hcp (3) gd in Aug.
Indian Voyage (IRE) 5-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, ridden after 2 out, soon weakened, 6th of 7, 23 3/4l behind Always On The Run (11-12) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in May.
Gurkha Brave (IRE) 15-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, jumped slowly 5th, mistake 10th, soon lost place, behind 3 out, plugged on flat, 5th of 8, 18 1/4l behind Tindaro (11-7) at Stratford 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Aug.
Nautical Twilight 5-1 (11-6) Towards rear, headway before 3 out, ridden before 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 8 1/2l behind Rathlin (11-12) at Ayr 2m hcp (3) hvy in Mar.
Theflyingportrait (IRE) 7-2 (11-10) Raced enthusiastically, not fluent 5th (water), clear 3 out, unchallenged, won at Perth 2m hcp (4) gd in Sep beating Endeavor (10-12) by 11l, 6 ran.
Imjoeking (IRE) 13-2 (11-4) Led, headed 4 out, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, last of 5, 23l behind Ballykan (11-8) at Perth 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Jul.