tracked leaders and always going well, went 2nd 6f out, led entering straight, came clear final 2f, easily
tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, kept on same mpace final 2f, lost modest 3rd towards finish
held up in rear, kept on final 2f, went never nearer 3rd towards finish
held up tracking leaders on outside, weakened over 4f out, soon behind
tracked leader, led 6f out until headed entering straight, chased winner, well held final 2f
led until 6f out, chased leaders, weakened entering straight
held up in last pair, never on terms
raced keenly, held up tracking leaders on inside, weakened over 3f out
It's hard to compare the form of the two penalised contenders as recent wins arrived in different countries so KEEP THE RIVER is only a tentative choice. However, he still looked pretty inexperienced when scoring at Uttoxeter after travelling well for most of the race and may have considerably more to offer. Carrie Des Champs scored easily at Downpatrick and constitutes a major threat while it would be folly not to put forth the claims of Rashee and Dear Dora. Both showed distinct promise on debut and the former is especially of interest if ready to roll on this first start since November.
Carrie Des Champs (IRE) 7-1 (11-2) Mid-division, improved into close 2nd from 5f out and pushed along to lead from 2f out, kept on well under pressure from over 1f out, comfortably, won at Downpatrick 2m 1f gd in Jun beating Melior (11-9) by 10l, 11 ran.
Keep The River 11-10fav (10-9) Held up towards rear, headway on outside over 3f out, challenged 2f out, led narrowly when edged left inside final furlong, soon ridden, kept on towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 2m (5) gd in Jun beating Mayllan (10-9) by 1l, 11 ran.
Charlie's Lass Getaway M out of Oh So Beautiful.
Frankies Fire 66-1 (10-7) Always in rear, struggling final 3f, 6th of 7, 30 1/4l behind Braid Blue (11-7) at Perth 2m (4) gd in Aug.
My Peggy (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Never better than mid-division, ridden in 8th from 5f out, soon detached and pulled up inside final furlong, at Downpatrick 2m 1f gd in Jun.
Rashee (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, effort 3f out, one pace when hampered and short of room well over 2f out, soon ridden, stayed on into 4th inside final furlong, no impression, 4th of 14, 6l behind Strike The Pose (10-12) at Kelso 2m (5) gd in Nov.
Solway Lizzie 66-1 (10-7) Chased leaders to over 7f out, soon behind and lost touch, tailed off, 8th of 9, dist behind Gonn Away (10-7) at Perth 2m (4) gd in Jun.
Dear Dora (IRE) 12-1 (10-10) Held up in rear, headway halfway, chased leaders over 4f out, ridden to challenge 2f out, no extra closing stages, 3rd of 9, 3l behind Milldean Silva (10-12) at Southwell 2m (5) gd in Jul.
