tracked leader, led 3 out, clear next, pushed out flat, comfortably
held up in rear, headway 6th, outpaced 3 out, kept on under pressure from next, no impression
mid-division, effort when hit 7th, outpaced next, never on terms
chased leaders, driven and outpaced 3 out, ridden and kept on same pace from next, no impression
held up, outpaced 3 out, never on terms
mid-division, hit 5th, weakened 3 out, tailed off from next
led to 3 out, soon outpaced, ridden and stayed on under pressure from next, no chance with winner
pulled hard, pulled up on bend soon after start, dismounted
chased leaders, hit 7th, soon outpaced, weakened next
always behind, tailed off 3 out
behind, lost touch 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before next
Winter Star will be a warm order to see off Saltrash and Norman Beckett and we seek not to oppose. Evan Williams looks to have found another regular winner of Novice events in Winter Star and provided that the exertions of the recent weeks have not added up - if sound and fit, it will take a very good one to beat him. Saltrash beat a few known plodders around Worcester over two miles. He's bred to stay this trip and is one to note in the market. Norman Beckett is quirky although not without ability. Cilrhiwviv won a Newton Abbot bumper in style but struggled under a penalty next time out. Good Line was a boilover at 33/1 in a Cartmel contest. He'd had plenty of chances before that and it remains to be seen as to whether he can translate this to a more conventional track. Tide Slider is rate 98 so the handicapper will use him as a benchmark. Run Forest Run has taken his chances in firm ground bumpers and could be anything. The remainder look to have plenty to do on all racecourse evidence. Winter Star has proved a resolute character this summer and looks hard to oppose on this occasion.
Winter Star 2-9fav (11-0) Tracked leader, led 9th, pushed clear 2 out, easily, won at Stratford 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gd in Jul beating Duggan's Forge (10-12) by 9l, 8 ran.
Good Line (IRE) 33-1 (10-5) Held up, chased leaders 4 out, led after 2 out, driven clear, won at Cartmel 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gs in Jul beating Sportula (10-5) by 20l, 6 ran.
Norman Beckett 10-1 (11-5) Tracked leader, led 3rd to 5th, remained in touch, ridden and kept on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 13, 8l behind Good Citizen (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft in Jul.
Saltrash (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Always in touch, went 2nd just after 3 out, led 2 out, mistake last, driven out, won at Worcester 2m mdn hdl (5) gs in Jul beating What A Biscuit (11-0) by 3l, 9 ran.
Cilrhiwviv 10-1 (11-8) Held up, headway over 3f out, went 3rd over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 3rd of 14, 10l behind Magellan Straits (10-2) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gd in Jun.
Ned Harte (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) Always behind, tailed off 3 out, 12th of 13, well behind Good Citizen (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft in Jul.
Tide Slider 9-1 (11-3) Took keen hold, tracked leaders 7th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Leamington Lad (11-6) at Worcester 2m 4f cnd nov hcp hdl (4) gf in Jul, 11 ran.
Run Forest Run (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, led halfway, ridden and headed over 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 13, 10l behind Sharevar (11-3) at Hexham 2m nhf (6) gf in Jun.
Bleak Friday 100-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, ridden 4th, lost place 7th, soon behind, continued, 6th of 12, well behind Black Anshan (11-5) at Worcester 3m nov hdl (4) gd in Jul.
Mystical Feelings (BEL) 12-1 (11-12) A bhnd; t.o & pulled up in race won by Hartburn (11-12) at Tranwell 3m ptp gd in Apr '07, 9 ran.
Political Jade 40-1 (10-2) Tracked leaders, lost place and behind over 3f out, ridden and soon beaten, 4th of 10, 31l behind Russian War (11-4) at Perth 2m nhf (6) gd in Jul.
