raced keenly and led, headed after 5th, chased leader until mistake and lost place 4 out, soon weakened
in touch, effort and every chance 3f out, soon ridden and one pace, no impression approaching last
mid-division, ridden and outpaced 4 out, soon beaten
tracked leader, led after 5th, ridden 2 out, headed last, no extra flat
held up in rear, some headway before 3 out, never nearer
held up behind, outpaced 4 out, never on terms
mid-division, headway 6th, tracked leaders after 4 out, ridden to lead last, kept on
mid-division, outpaced 4 out, still on same pace from next, never near leaders
Rehearsal is the selection with Star Of Germany and Genghis the alternatives. Lenny Lungo has kept Rehearsal ticking over on the level so fitness should not be an issue but he has won previously over the larger obstacles so he cannot be discounted despite modest efforts over hurdles. Star Of Germany dotted up at Newton Abbot in June before turning in a flop seven days later. That race may have come too soon and he wasn't disgraced over hurdles last month. Genghis seems to have been around forever. He might be vulnerable over this trip but is a safe conveyance. Kirkby's Vic was behind Laoch Dubh when they met at Uttoxeter. He has won since at Southwell and is entitled to close the gap at these terms. Waterspray is difficult to win with. Salhood and Eborarry have ability but often disappoint. Kit Carson would be a factor if rediscovering his Irish form. A good race for the time of year and Rehearsal is taken to land it.
Rehearsal 9-1 (11-5) Held up, headway approaching 5th, soon chasing leaders, weakened 2 out, 8th of 13, 12l behind John Dillon (10-9) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in Mar.
Laoch Dubh (IRE) 5-6fav (12-1) Tracked leader, blundered 2nd, led 9th, headed approaching last, no extra, 2nd of 7, 3l behind Inmate (10-1) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Jul.
Genghis (IRE) 5-1 (11-4) Chased clear leader, led 8th, headed 5 out, outpaced from 3 out, 3rd of 8, 15l behind Apollo Creed (11-5) at Bangor 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gf in Jul.
Star of Germany (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead briefly approaching 2 out, edged right approaching last, weakened, 3rd of 12, 10l behind Wild Tonto (11-9) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf in Jul.
Waterspray (AUS) 8-1 (11-12) With leader, led 5th, headed 2 out, one pace, 2nd of 7, 5l behind Country Escape (11-9) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs.
Wilhewispa 9-2 (10-12) With winner, ridden approaching 7th, weakened 2 out, 6th of 14, 17l behind Balamory Dan (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Kit Carson (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Led, headed 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off 2 out, 6th of 7, 40l behind Seeyaaj (11-8) at Market Rasen 2m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Jul.
Kirby's Vic (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, went 2nd 6th, led approaching 7th, clear after 4 out, ridden when not fluent 3 out, stayed on well, won at Southwell 2m 1f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd beating Chigorin (10-13) by 5l, 11 ran.
Eborarry (IRE) 17-2 (10-3) Tracked leaders, ridden 4 out, outpaced next, 5th of 7, 18l behind Seeyaaj (11-8) at Market Rasen 2m 2f hcp chs 0-120 (3) sft in Jul.
Salhood 9-1 (11-12) In touch, chased winner 11th 4 out, weakened next, 9th of 10, 37l behind Wee William (11-1) at Market Rasen 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
