prominent, novicey at times, pushed along and switched right approaching 2 out, stayed on one pace
mid-division, dropped to rear halfway and lost touch
chased clear leaders, reminder after 4 out, pushed along and weakened after 3 out
led, raced keenly, pushed along and headed before 2 out where not fluent, soon weakened quickly
chased leaders, mistake 4 out, pushed along and headway home turn, pressed leaders approaching 2 out, disputed lead 2 out, soon ridden and led, kept on well
handy, raced freely, led before 2 out, joined 2 out, soon ridden and headed, no extra and held run-in
never really travelling, well behind 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
rear mid-division, some headway after 3 out, plugged on, never threatened
It’s a while since Star Of Valour has won on the Flat but he started favourite on his hurdling debut here last month, though only managed third. ROBERT WALPOLE won twice on the level for Roger Varian in the spring. Now with Dan Skelton, it will be a surprise if he doesn’t make an impact over timber with neither fitness nor a lack of experience likely to be an issue. Of Corse I Can was very disappointing at Stratford in July but bumper winner Sea The Clouds has claims if taking to hurdles and Alnitak is worth a market check.
Alnitak 15-2 (11-0) Chased leaders, pushed along 4f out, outpaced 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 17, 17 1/4l behind Hauraki Gulf (11-0) at Warwick 2m (5) sft in Dec.
Just Deegeeteebee 50-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, pushed along over 5f out, lost place 4f out, last of 10, dist behind Tchoupinminzac (11-8) at Ludlow 1m 6f (4) sft in Jan.
Of Corse I Can (FR) 11-4 (11-4) Prominent, left disputing lead 1st, settled behind leader 2nd, ridden and lost place 3 out, weakened before last, 8th of 9, 36l behind Fire Lake (10-11) at Stratford 2m mdn (4) gd in Jul.
Robert Walpole 11-10fav (9-4) Chased leaders, raced keenly, ridden 2f out, led over 1f out, hung right inside final furlong, driven out, won at Beverley 1m 2f hcp (4) gf in May beating Miss Mulligan (9-8) by 1l, 7 ran.
Sea The Clouds (IRE) 4-6fav (11-2) Chased leader, strongly pressed leader 3f out, sustained duel with runner-up home straight, led narrowly final 110 yards, asserted close home, won at Stratford 2m (5) gd in Sep beating Indian Sunbird (11-2) by 1l, 4 ran.
Star Of Valour (IRE) 15-8fav (11-4) In touch, hit 1st, jumped right 2nd, headway approaching 3 out, went third before 2 out, plugged on one pace, 3rd of 9, 11 3/4l behind Herecomeshogan (11-4) at Newton Abbot 2m 2f mdn (4) gd in Aug.
Universal Secret (IRE) 10-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders on inside, one pace and no impression in 4th from 3 out, weakened into 5th towards finish, 5th of 9, 28 1/4l behind Operation Manna (11-6) at Exeter 2m 1f mdn (4) sft in Mar.
Mountain Grey (IRE) 40-1 (10-8) Handy, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened quickly, 7th of 11, 29l behind Hymac (11-4) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f mdn (5) sft in Mar.
Watchoutitscookie (IRE) 150-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, never dangerous, 6th of 9, dist behind Herecomeshogan (11-4) at Newton Abbot 2m 2f mdn (4) gd in Aug.
Time To Burn (IRE) 250-1 (10-9) Jumped left, always in rear, tailed off, 11th of 13, dist behind Monte Igueldo (11-4) at Worcester 2m mdn (4) gs in Sep.
