led, not fluent 1st, headed before next, chased leaders, struggling 4 out, modest 3rd next
not always fluent, towards rear, outpaced 9th, well beaten 4 out
took keen hold, led before 2nd, not fluent 7th, clear from 3 out, easily
held up in touch, not fluent 7th, struggling next, behind from 9th
jumped right 1st, tracked winner until 9th, struggling 4 out, 4th and weakening next
led into start, held up in rear, headway 8th, 2nd next, no impression on winner from 3 out, mistake last
Easily Pleased won this last year off a pound higher mark but has been below par lately. Things haven't worked out for Box Office since arriving from France but he's surely better than he's shown so far over fences and was placed off much higher marks over hurdles last year. Notarfbad and PRESENTING LISA both won easily in lesser company last time having been pulled up on their seasonal reappearances. They are 10lb and 15lb respectively higher here but the latter should improve again now she's got her head in front, though Vodka Wells has travelled a long way for this and can't be ignored.
Miss Tenacious 12-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, not fluent 3rd, lost place after next, no impression after, well held from 4 out, 5th of 9, 30 1/4l behind Casino Markets (11-3) at Worcester 2m hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Vodka Wells (FR) 14-1 (11-7) Close up, joined leaders 4 out, ridden 3 out, outpaced in 4th when unseated rider at last, at Perth 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in Jul.
Notarfbad (IRE) 7-2 (11-7) Made virtually all, clear 4 out, not fluent last, easily, won at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (4) gd in Jul beating Domtaline (11-12) by 10l, 6 ran.
Box Office (FR) 17-2 (11-2) Held up, outpaced after 8th, weakened before 4 out, last of 9, dist behind Casino Markets (11-3) at Worcester 2m hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Presenting Lisa (IRE) 7-2 (10-13) Tracked leader, led 5th, clear 3 out, ran on well, won at Bangor 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Jul beating Enjoy Responsibly (11-8) by 13l, 7 ran.
Easily Pleased (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Led and soon clear, not fluent 4 out, headed 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 5th of 9, 23 1/4l behind Phantom Prince (11-10) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f hcp (4) gf in Jul.