chased leaders, hard driven after 4 out, soon no impression
chased leaders, driven 7th, under pressure 10th, soon beaten
chased leaders, lost place 4th, soon beaten
made all, jumped well, driven clear 2 out, stayed on strongly
chased leaders, hard driven to challenge after 3 out, stayed on same pace
prominent, jumped right throughout, slow 3rd, weakened 4 out
BLACK ANTHEM is bang in form and probably doesn’t have much to beat here, though a 10lb hike in the weights is a bit of a concern. Southwell winner Midnight Gem couldn’t handle a 5lb rise at Worcester and none of the remainder have sparkled lately, though Market Road often pops up when least expected.
Black Anthem (IRE) 8-11fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, challenged 4 out, led 2 out, drew clear from last, easily, won at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp (5) gf in Aug beating Brown Bear (12-4) by 6l, 5 ran.
Market Road (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Held up behind, outpaced after 4 out, never dangerous, 6th of 11, 26 1/4l behind Doitforjoe (12-0) at Southwell 3m hcp (5) gd in Jul.
Mr Satco (IRE) 28-1 (10-12) In touch, dropped to rear 8th, pushed along 12, ridden and weakened 3 out, tailed off, 5th of 8, dist behind Marble Moon (12-0) at Bangor-on-Dee 3m hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Findusatgorcombe 22-1 (11-2) Chasing leaders 3rd, went 2nd next, not fluent 8th, mistake next, led 12th, headed 4 out, mistake and no extra 2 out, 6th of 13, 29 3/4l behind Royals And Rebels (11-2) at Stratford 3m 4f hcp (5) gd in Aug.
Taaffes Castle (IRE) 11-2 (10-11) Held up in rear, headway 4 out, outpaced before 3 out, 4th 2 out, weakened last, 4th of 7, 24 1/2l behind Downloadtheapp (11-8) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp (5) gf in Aug.
Midnight Gem 7-2 (10-8) Jumped right, led until after 1st, chased leader, not fluent 4 out, lost 2nd 2 out, weakened flat, 4th of 7, 11 1/2l behind Invincible Don (11-0) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (5) gd in Sep.
