led, ridden and drew clear before 2 out, driven out
keen behind leader, ridden and lost touch before 2 out, no extra
NonRunner
NonRunner
Just the three runners following the defection of likely favourite Presentandcounting. Donald McCain still has MINELLA TRUMP flying the flag and he should make a better fist of chasing second time around having won here over hurdles recently. Eskendash is 0-9 over fences but Juge Et Parti has won his last two over the larger obstacles, though ideally needs soft ground and a thorough test of stamina to offset his lack of pace.
Minella Trump (IRE) 7-2 (11-8) Chased leader, led before 2 out, ridden flat, stayed on, won at Perth 2m 4f hcp (3) sft in May beating Gortroe Joe (11-10) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
Eskendash (USA) 8-1 (11-8) Held up, pushed along before 2 out, some minor late headway, 5th of 8, 20 1/2l behind Scardura (11-12) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Jun.
Presentandcounting (IRE) 10-11fav (11-8) Jumped well, led 2nd, soon clear, ridden after last, stayed on, easily, won at Cartmel 2m 5f hcp (3) gd in Jul beating No Comment (11-2) by 14l, 4 ran.
Juge Et Parti (FR) 3-1fav (11-11) Pressed leader, left in lead bend before 3 out, clear flat, easily, won at Perth 3m hcp (4) sft in Jul beating O Connell Street (11-7) by 6 1/2l, 7 ran.
