led, hit 2nd, headed 12th, soon ridden, weakening when refused 3 out
held up, lost touch from 11th, tailed off
held up, steady headway from 11th, tracked winner 2 out, soon challenged, every chance last, no extra
held up, lost touch from 7th, tailed off and pulled up after 11th
held up, took closer order 7th, ridden after 13th, soon weakened
tracked leaders, hampered 3rd, weakened quickly after 11th, pulled up before next
in touch, tracked leaders 9th, pulled up after 11th, dismounted
tracked leaders, went left at 3rd, led 12th, stayed on well when challenged last, ridden out
in touch until 10th, soon tailed off
This is a fairly moderate handicap chase and could turn into something of a slog, which would certainly suit Southerndown who gets the vote, with Cyanara likely to give him most to do. Southerndown is twelve now, and while he has never looked like a world beater he is a fairly consistent old stick who should be capable of running his race in this company. He handles any surface, stays all day and is definitely the safest option in what looks a very trappy race from a punting perspective. Cyanara was a fair second at Huntingdon last time but has effectively been put up a stone for that performance, which seems more than a trifle harsh and he may have to settle for minor honours again. Stablemate Blazing Batman would have claims on his best form but is very inconsistent, while Bramblehill Duke could probably see these rivals off easily on his best form but has given the impression of late that he has fallen out of love with the game. To sum up, this isn't a race we would recommend putting the proverbial mortgage on, but Southerndown looks to be the best option.
Bramblehill Duke (IRE) 12-1 (11-4) In touch, chased leaders approaching 8th, weakened approaching 4 out and pulled up 3 out in race won by Keltic Lord (10-13) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in Jul, 15 ran.
Blazing Batman 16-1 (10-6) Mid-division, mistake 2nd, weakened 8th, 10th of 12, 46l behind Lahinch Lad (10-6) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-100 (F) gf in Jul.
Southerndown (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, ridden and outpaced 12th, stayed on from 3 out, 4th of 16, 1 1/2l behind Lambrini Bianco (9-7) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-90 (F) gd in May.
Hardy Russian (IRE) 28-1 (9-6) Held up in mid-division, lost touch 5th, hampered by loose horse 6th, tailed off when pulled up at the 13th in race won by Rolfes Delight (10-5) at N Abbot 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gf in Jul, 10 ran.
Cyanara 14-1 (9-7) Held up in rear, headway 4 out, ridden to chase winner after 3 out, blundered 2 out, one pace, 2nd of 16, 5l behind Count Oski (11-0) at Huntingdon 3m hcp chs 0-100 (F) gf in Jun.
Corkan (IRE) 33-1 (9-9) Held up, ridden 10th, never on terms, 7th of 12, 27l behind Lahinch Lad (10-6) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-100 (F) gf in Jul.
Francolino (FR) 66-1 (10-0) Prominent to 3rd, tailed off from 9th, 5th of 11, well behind Ross Comm (10-7) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gf in Jun.
The Sawdust Kid 16-1 (9-9) In touch, ridden and weakened 4 out, no chance when pulled up 2 out in race won by Rolfes Delight (10-5) at N Abbot 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gf in Jul, 10 ran.
