prominent, hit 9th, led 4 out, ridden and headed 2 out, soon no chance with winner
chased leaders, behind from 8th, left distant 3rd after 2 out
led, headed 4 out, weakened quickly, jumped right last 2
not fluent, close up, slow jump 7th, ridden next, beaten when blundered 4 out, tailed off
took keen hold early, held up, mistake 4th, smooth headway 3 out, led 2 out, soon clear, eased towards finish
took keen hold, held up, headway 5th, challenged 7th, dropped to 3rd and driven after 3 out, well held when mistake, pulled up and dismounted after 2 out
STAR OF GERMANY is the form pick to follow up from his recent Worcester success at the expense of Enlightenment and Safari Journey. The selection has risen eight pounds in the ratings since winning last time out. That would seem a little harsh and he now races off a career high mark. He does though come into the race in good form and in such a small field we feel he will be able to capitalize on that to win again. Top weight Enlightenment is very capable on his day but he is a little one paced in the closing stages. The handicapper seems to have him where he wants him for the time being but another bold run can be expected. Safari Journey landed back to back races over hurdles at Wincanton and Newton Abbot in April but the Phillip Hobbs horses have really been in poor form this summer so he should be treated with caution. Star Of Germany has more on his plate today but he looks the percentage call.
Enlightenment (IRE) 15-2 (11-3) Led, ridden approaching last, not fluent, headed towards finish, no extra, 2nd of 10, 1 1/4l behind Dancewiththedevil (9-9) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Jul.
Star of Germany (IRE) 9-4fav (10-8) Pulled hard, tracked leaders, led last, drew clear flat, easily, won at Worcester 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gs in Jul beating Good Company (11-12) by 4 1/2l, 6 ran.
Laoch Dubh (IRE) 9-2 (11-9) Led, raced keenly, headed approaching 9th, weakened 2 out, last of 7, 37l behind Master Nimbus (10-13) at Aintree 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Jun.
Histoire De Moeurs (FR) 11-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, mistake 7th, headway 10th, weakened approaching 3 out, 8th of 16, 30l behind Nostringsattached (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 6f listed hcp chs (1) gd in Jul.
Safari Journey (USA) 10-3 (11-8) In touch, not fluent 3rd, outpaced 3 out, soon beaten, 4th of 7, 32l behind Rippling Ring (11-8) at Newton Abbot 2m beg chs (5) gd in Jul.
Mibleu (FR) 9-1 (9-9) Headway into mid-division after 2nd, improved 7th, chased winner 3 out, weakening in 3rd when stumbled last, 5th of 11, 13l behind Histoire De Moeurs (9-12) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gd in Jul.
