chased leaders, led and jumped right 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, edged left from last, headed towards finish
chased leaders, lost place from 9th
held up in touch, driven and lost place 5th, ridden after 3 out, stayed on from last, never dangerous
led to 3rd, led again 6th, headed 3 out, ridden and every chance 2 out, one pace flat
held up in rear, headway 8th, drivven and outpaced approaching 3 out, kept on from 2 out, led towards finish
held up, pushed along and hampered on bend approaching 6th, outpaced fcrom 3 out
behind, headway 9th, chased clear pair next, soon weakened
chased leaders, outpaced from 3 out
close up, led 3rd, headed 6th, lost place approaching 8th
Rift Valley can make the most of the weight that he receives from Romany Prince to come out on top, with Tomenoso and Pikestaff just a couple more with claims. This has the makings of a decent affair, but Rift Valley seems a progressive sort at present and can add to his two latest wins, the most recent of which was over two furlongs shorter here. He made all that day, and was not stopping at the finish so despite a seven-pound higher mark, Philip Hobbs's 10-year-old, successful off much higher over fences in the past, can once again gallop his rivals into submission. The younger Romany Prince showed a good attitude when scoring at Stratford last time and will go well despite topweight, but may have to settle for second best on this occasion. There is a question mark over Tomenoso as regards the trip and he will need to settle, but he too has winning form in handicap company. Pikestaff has a low weight but has more on his plate now, and It's Definite, a course and distance winner in the past, has been chasing. All in all, Rift Valley is in good heart at present and should be supported to complete the hat-trick.
Romany Prince 2-1 (11-8) Always prominent, mistake 1st, led 6th, driven along after 3 out, kept on well from last, won at Stratford 2m 6f nov hdl (C) gf beating Absolut Power (11-1) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
It's Definite (IRE) 15-8fav (11-6) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened, 4th of 8, 36l behind Bushido (11-0) at Southwell 3m 2f nov chs (D) gf.
Rift Valley (IRE) 7-4fav (10-13) Made most, quickened 3 out, ridden next, stayed on strongly flat, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gd in Jul beating Qabas (11-2) by 3 1/2l, 9 ran.
Tomenoso 15-2 (11-12) Disputed lead, led 7th, ridden and under pressure after 2 out, headed briefly after last, all out, won at Southwell 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gf beating Native Chancer (11-2) by a hd, 8 ran.
Midnight Creek 100-1 (10-3) Mistakes, always behind, 8th of 12, 39l behind Famous Grouse (10-5) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-135 (C) gs in Dec.
Celtic Blaze (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Behind, headway 8th, ridden 2 out, weakened last, 3rd of 10, 9l behind Earlsfield Raider (11-2) at Towcester 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gf in May.
Pikestaff (USA) 7-2 (9-13) Tracked leaders, led 4th, cleared after 3 out, easily, won at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) frm in Jul beating Graffiti Tongue (11-12) by 20l, 6 ran.
Esterelle (USA) 10-3jt-fav (10-0) Held up headway approaching 8th, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 10, 10l behind Igloo D'estruval (11-12) at Exeter 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gs in Nov.
