towards rear, ridden and outpaced over 4f out, some late progress
prominent, ridden to chase leaders over 4f out and outpaced, switched left over 1f out, stayed on, every chance inside final furlong, no extra
in touch and keen, ridden 4f out, weakened over 3f out
tracked leaders and keen, ridden and weakened 4f out
soon left in lead, ridden over 2f out, challenged from over 1f out, kept on gamely
towards rear, headway 5f out, chased leaders 3f out, no impression
led and swerved badly left start, detached in rear, ridden and headway 5f out to go in touch, chasing leaders when ran wide on home turn, weakened over 2f out
towards rear, outpaced 6f out, kept on
mid-division, weakened over 4f out
always in rear, ridden 6f out, tailed off over 2f out
tracked leaders and keen, ridden and every chance over 1f out, one pace
Although the market will no doubt prove informative, we opt for Bouncy Castle ahead of Red Bells, Brian and Good Time Willie in the finale. It is very rare that Jonjo O'Neill does not produce his bumper runners fit and ready, and there can be no excuse on that score for Bouncy Castle's debut defeat at Worcester last month when he was a close third behind the favourite Leac An Scail. A glance at his breeding very much suggests that it was more a case of him needing further, and although today's trip is just a furlong more, every little helps, and with that initial experience to count on, the son of Rock Hopper is selected. Red Bells raced much too keenly at Uttoxeter last time and is best watched here, while Brian hails from a yard that can get them ready first time. Good Time Willie will have a lot to live up to in time, as the dam is from the same family as Mr Snugfit and Cashew King to name but two illustrious relatives. Hopefully they will go a good pace here, and that will help the bid of Bouncy Castle who is sure to be a popular choice with the holiday crowd at least.
Bob Mountain (IRE) 28-1 (11-3) Prominent and keen, ridden 4 out, soon one pace, 5th of 11, 11l behind Golden Streak (10-13) at Worcester 2m mdn nhf (6) gf in May.
Fine Deed Kadeed gelding, half-brother to 1m1f & 1m3f winner Heathers Girl.
Red Bells 7-2 (11-0) Held up and keen, headway over 4f out, ridden and every chance when edged left over 1f out, one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 7, 2 1/2l behind Solid Silver (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gd in Jul.
See The View (IRE) (12-0) 2nd of 13, 25l behind Liquid Lunch (12-0) at Cullentra 3m ire ptp sft in May.
Brian (IRE) Darnay gelding, half-sister to winners up to 1m4f and the winning chaser Aegean.
Good Time Willie (IRE) Good Thyne gelding, first foal out of an unraced mare from a good family.
Merthyrmawr 10-1 (11-1) Held up, progress to go 2nd 6f out until over 3f out, weakened 2f out, soon hung left, 7th of 10, 24l behind Shiwawa (11-1) at Worcester 2m nhf (6) gd.
Bouncy Castle (IRE) 9-4 (11-0) Held up toward rear, headway after 7f, every chance over 2f out, soon drifted right, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 12, 2l behind Leac An Scail (11-0) at Worcester 2m nhf (6) gd in Jul.
