chased clear leader, left in lead before 9th, clear from 3 out, easily
chased leaders, left 2nd before 9th, no impression on winner 3 out, not fluent and weakened next
led, soon clear, reluctant to go out on last circuit after 8th, headed before next, weakened and pulled up before 3 out
in rear, deliberate early, in touch in 4th 4 out, went 3rd before next, soon weakened, remote when fell last
chased leaders, lost place before 4th, ridden 11th, weakened before 4 out, pulled up before next
Barring accidents, it’s difficult to see the returning Thepensionfund and Ripstick figuring in this. AMALFI DOUG has been a beaten favourite twice over fences here since competing a course double over hurdles but his long-term future lies over the larger obstacles so he gets another chance. John Mor was in front when falling over 2m here in June but may need a confidence-booster. Chasing debutant Supreme Steel hasn’t sparkled over hurdles since returning from injury but will like the ground.
Amalfi Doug (FR) 5-2fav (10-10) Tracked leaders, chased winner from 9 out, every chance 3 out, kept on and held run-in, 2nd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Creadan Grae (11-12) at Perth 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Jul.
Supreme Steel (IRE) 11-4fav (11-8) Chased leaders, lost place 3 out, weakened quickly, tailed off, last of 7, dist behind Victarion (11-6) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Jul.
John Mor 16-1 (11-2) Led, strongly challenged from 2 out, headed after omitted last, no extra closing stages, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Heavey (11-2) at Perth 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in Jul.
Thepensionfund (IRE) 12-1 (12-1) Behind, headway 6 out, mistake 4 out, soon lost place, tailed off, 8th of 11, dist behind Christmas In Usa (10-10) at Ayr 2m hcp (5) gs in Feb.
Ripstick 100-1 (10-12) Last trio, never a factor, tailed off, last of 11, dist behind Sheelbewhatsheelbe (11-1) at Perth 3m hcp (5) gd in Aug.
