led to 9th, led again next, driven before 5 out, ridden next, headed between last 2, stayed on to chase winner flat, held towards finish
reluctant start, tracked leaders, challenged on inside 5 out, not fluent next, soon one pace, ridden and every chance between last 2, awkward last, no extra in 3rd flat
held up in rear, ridden to chase leaders after 4 out, led narrowly between last 2, not fluent last, kept on under pressure flat
tracked leaders, hit 10th, driven to chase front pair after 4 out to before 2 out, soon ridden, well held in 4th from last
tracked leader, led 9th to next, lost place after 5 out, weakened next, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
Recent Worcester winner Samson is no certainty here upped in grade off a 10lb higher mark and is taken on with Alastair Ralph’s mare INCLUDED, who has run well in defeat in a couple of decent races at Ffos Las and has taken well to fences. As You Like is sure to strip fitter for last month’s second here and is a danger to all, though Royal Magic was leading that latter contest when falling having won earlier at Southwell. Bramble Brook has form at a higher level but is a lot more exposed than his four rivals and the senior runner.
Bramble Brook 10-1 (11-11) Mid-division, headway on outside after 8th, lost place and pushed along next, stayed on from 2 out, went 3rd towards finish, 3rd of 11, 4 1/4l behind Wilberdragon (11-2) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Included 9-4 (11-11) Held up towards rear, went 3rd at 8th, close up after 5 out, driven and one pace before 2 out, ridden between last 2, no impression with front pair from last, 3rd of 6, 6 1/2l behind Pink Eyed Pedro (11-8) at Ffos Las 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Jul.
As You Like (IRE) 7-2jfav (11-10) Held up in mid-division, mistake 9th, headway next, led after 2 out, headed flat, held close home, 2nd of 13, nk behind Battle Of Ideas (11-2) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Samson 5-4fav (12-0) Mid-division, not fluent 8th, headway next, left 2nd 4 out, led last, easily, won at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (5) gd in Jul beating Gentleman Moore (11-2) by 2l, 14 ran.
Royal Magic (IRE) 7-2jfav (11-9) Led after 2nd, fell 10th, at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Jun.