chased winner, not fluent 3 out, mistake and no impression next
made all, clear 2 out, unchallenged, easily
tracked leaders, not fluent 1st, weakened before 2 out, fell last
in rear, landed steeply 1st, not fluent 2nd, mistake and unseated rider 4th
Miro has a considerable edge in experience here for the ever-popular Elliott and Johnson combination but it is a slight concern that connections reach for first-time headgear after six starts over timber. The Rock Of Gibraltar gelding has progressed steadily with his racing but MIRSAALE (NAP) created a really good impression on his jumping debut here last month when cruising home by a dozen lengths and this winning Flat handicapper looks a useful recruit to the NH scene for Keith Dalgleish who does extremely well with his select band of jumpers. The remaining trio have plenty to do, although Pads showed some promise for the future when not beaten far on his second bumper start here in July. Like Miro, he also sports a first-time hood.
Miro (IRE) 13-8 (11-3) Held up in touch, tracked leaders 3 out, led narrowly next, ridden and headed after last, no extra, 3rd of 7, 3 3/4l behind Gran Paradiso (10-10) at Sedgefield 2m 4f (4) gd in Aug.
Mirsaale 11-10fav (10-12) Always prominent, led 3 out, driven clear before last, ran on well, won at Perth 2m (4) gd in Aug beating Mountain Kingdom (10-12) by 12l, 7 ran.
Clear Spell (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Held up, mistakes 4th and 5th, never dangerous, last of 7, dist behind Mirsaale (10-12) at Perth 2m (4) gd in Aug.
Drinks For Losers (IRE) 16-1 (9-2) Difficult loading, started slowly and awkwardly away, held up well off the pace towards rear, headway over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, never troubled leaders, 6th of 12, 6 1/4l behind Big Time Dancer (9-9) at Hamilton 1m hcp (6) gf in Aug.
Pads (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Took keen hold, in rear, never on terms, 5th of 6, 3 1/4l behind Wizard's Sliabh (10-7) at Perth 2m (5) sft in Jul.
