chased leaders, weakening when mistake 11th
held up towards rear, headway 8th, chased leading pair approaching 4 out, soon ridden, no impression after
chased leaders until 11th, soon weakened
always towards rear, behind and pulled up before 4 out
mid-division, headway 8th, chased leaders and ridden after 4 out, one pace from next
mid-division until 10th, soon tailed off
hit 3rd, never travelling in rear, tailed off and pulled up before 12th
chased leaders, hampered 2nd, mistake 9th, went 2nd next, weakened after 11th, behind and pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway and mistake 12th, soon weakened
prominent, chased winner from 11th, ridden after 4 out, kept on but no impression from next
made all, drew clear after 3 out, stayed on gamely
mid-division until 12th, behind when fell last
held up, some headway and jumped right 10th, soon beaten
always behind, tailed off and pulled up before 12th
held up towards rear, never dangerous
Nonrunner
Excellent Vibes looks the best option in a wide open affair, Alcatras and Romantic Hero could provide most danger. The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained seven-year-old hit winning form with a vengeance last time, sprinting away in the closing stages to beat Keltic Lord by a long looking five lengths. That was over three miles at Hereford but today's drop in trip shouldn't be a problem and a follow up looks on the cards. Alcatras also comes here in winning form having disposed of a modest bunch at Worcester last time. This is much tougher but he should still be involved in the finish. Romantic Hero doesn't take too much racing but is quite a decent performer on his day and may be capable of reaching the frame. Borehill Joker is game and consistent and cannot be ruled out, but Excellent Vibes will take some beating in his current mood.
Eau Pure (FR) 15-2 (11-0) Mid-division, headway 9th, out paced after 4 out, rallied to go 2nd last, not trouble winner, 2nd of 9, 4l behind Blakeney Coast (11-0) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf.
Excellent Vibes (IRE) 12-1 (10-0) Prominent, led 2 out, soon clear, ran on, won at Hereford 3m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gf beating Keltic Lord (10-0) by 5l, 16 ran.
Romantic Hero (IRE) 5-1jt-fav (10-5) Chased leader, hit 9th, pecked 12th, led 14th, ridden and headed 3 out, soon beaten, 2nd of 12, 19l behind Gallik Dawn (10-6) at Uttoxeter 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gd in May.
Borehill Joker 2-1fav (11-5) Held up, headway approaching 8th, chased winner after 4 out, rallied run-in, no extra close home, 2nd of 10, 3/4l behind River Amora (10-5) at Fontwell 2m 2f sll hcp chs 0-90 (G) gf in May.
Sunshan 9-2 (10-2) Prominent, pushed along 7th, lost place 9th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Batten Down (10-8) at Stratford 3m hcp chs 0-105 (E) gd in Aug, 9 ran.
Maidstone Monument (IRE) 9-4fav (11-0) Chased leader, led 7th, ridden clear after 3 out, kept on gamely, eased close home, won at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-90 (F) gf in May beating Mollycarrsbrekfast (10-10) by 8l, 11 ran.
River Quoile 8-13fav (12-5) 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Hill Trail (12-0) at Bratton Down 3m ptp gd.
Alcatras (IRE) 4-1 (9-13) Mid-division, headway 9th, went 2nd after 11th, led 3 out, driven out, won at Worcester 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-100 (E) gf beating High Drama (11-12) by 7l, 13 ran.
