mid-division, good headway to lead 4f out, ridden and quickened clear final furlong, easily
mid-division, headway 7f out, ridden and chased leader 3f out, one pace
held up last, headway over 3f out, ridden and ran on well to go 3rd final furlong
towards rear, headway 7f out, ridden and chased leader 4f out, one pace final furlong
in touch, ridden 5f out, weakened over 2f out
chased leader, challenged over 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
mid-division, ridden and weakened 7f out
mid-division, weakened 6f out
chased leader, ridden and weakened 4f out
held up, soon hung right, ran off course halfway
led, headed and pulled up lame 4f out, dismounted
Lancer Scott has proved himself on the track so gets the vote but he faces a couple of interesting newcomers in Abou Ben and The Kiwi Matriarch. A market check is essential to gauge the confidence behind the newcomers but it's reasonable to side with the David Pipe trained gelding at this stage. It's difficult to get too excited about his run at Exeter but this less demanding circuit should suit him well and it is just about the best form on offer. Abou Ben would be respected if the money arrived but he has a traditional National Hunt pedigree and may not come into his own until granted a stiffer test of stamina. The Kiwi Matriarch is related to winners and should have the speed for this test and both represent yards that get winners in this sphere. Mary Duane shaped quite well last time whilst Qaraarat, Furmagiatt and Sideon Arthur could be given a chance on paper but the first two were only cheap purchases. The market will be interesting but Lancer Scott may have too much firepower for this opposition.
Abou Ben (IRE) Beneficial gelding out of an unraced mare.
Ice Hunter 9-1 (11-2) Took keen hold, prominent, not much room on inside and lost place after 3f, hampered on inside after 5f, soon behind, 11th of 12, well behind Midnight Haze (10-9) at Worcester 2m nhf (6) gd in Jun.
Lancer Scott 11-2 (11-4) Held up towards rear, steady progress from halfway, went 3rd over 2f out, soon ridden, one pace and hung right final furlong, 3rd of 12, 18l behind Foolish Cliche (10-11) at Exeter 2m 1f nhf (5) gf in May.
Qaraarat (IRE) In The Wings gelding, half-brother to winners from 5f-1m including useful Baqah.
Call Me Sam (IRE) 6-1 (10-5) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, headway 6f out, weakened over 4f out, 9th of 14, 30l behind Magellan Straits (10-2) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gd in Jun.
Furmagiatt In The Wings gelding, half-brother to 7f winner Famcred.
Monkstown (FR) 18-1 (10-2) Held up towards rear, headway over 6f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 15, 9l behind McMurrough (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) gf in May.
Sideon Arthur (FR) Definite Article gelding, half-brother to winning miler Standout and 1m5f winner Un Ciel Etoile.
Quoin 33-1 (10-7) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, never dangerous, 7th of 12, 32l behind Bob Run (11-0) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) gf in Jun.
Shoot The Guest 33-1 (10-10) Mid-division on outside, pushed along and lost place after 5f, tailed off final 4f, 16th of 18, well behind Wychwoods Legend (11-0) at Bangor 2m 1f mrs nhf (5) gd in Oct.
The Kiwi Matriarch Silver Patriarch mare, half-sister to winning hurdler/chaser Manawanui.
Mary Duane 11-1 (10-0) Prominent, went 2nd 7f out, edged slightly right over 1f out, stayed on same pace, no chance with winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 12, 7l behind Enchanted Approach (10-10) at Worcester 2m mdn nhf (6) gf in Jun.
