tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd before 2 out, ridden before last and every chance, not quicken run-in
held up mid-division, pushed along and reminders after 4 out, soon lost place, pulled up
led from 1st, made rest, ridden and pressed before last, hung right under pressure run-in, held on well towards finish
in rear, pushed along after 4 out, weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, not fluent and weakened last
held up towards rear, weakened from 3 out
led to 1st, tracked winner until weakened from 3 out
Alberta has been disappointing so far over timber but did win the Jump Jockeys' Derby at Epsom last month. However, Jamie Moore, who rode him that day, partners GRAASTEN here for father Gary and he looks the one to be on. The German import has been placed in all three starts to date over hurdles, including twice here, and this looks a little easier. Dual Flat winner Jack Bear was an early casualty at Newton Abbot three weeks ago but may do better with Gavin Sheehan taking over the reins from a conditional. Alcatraz was very consistent up to 1m2f on the level and could figure if taking to jumping.
Alberta (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Raced wide keen tracked leaders, effort when edged left over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on, won at Epsom 1m 4f hcp (4) gd in Sep beating Jupiter Custos (10-12) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Alcatraz (IRE) 9-4fav (9-7) Held up, towards rear, headway to chase leaders over 2f out, never a threat, 3rd of 6, 4 1/2l behind British Embassy (9-4) at Bath 1m hcp (4) gs in Sep.
Graasten (GER) 7-4fav (11-0) Mid-division, headway and in touch 3 out, not fluent next, soon ridden, stayed on to chase front pair flat, 3rd of 8, 2 1/4l behind Blue Surf (11-0) at Plumpton 2m mdn (5) gd in Oct.
Hurricane Volta (IRE) 14-1 (9-9) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, weakened quickly, soon behind, 11th of 14, 35l behind Free Passage (9-0) at Bath 1m 4f hcp (5) gf in Oct.
Jack Bear 16-1 (9-0) Held up, towards rear, ridden over 1f out, never dangerous, 9th of 11, 11 3/4l behind Champagne Champ (9-7) at Salisbury 1m 6f hcp (3) gs in Oct.
Seven Clans (IRE) 40-1 (11-0) Held up in last pair, struggling after 5th, tailed off 3 out, last of 8, dist behind Blue Surf (11-0) at Plumpton 2m mdn (5) gd in Oct.
Top Pocket 16-1 (9-3) Held up in mid-division, not clear run over 2f out, headway over 1f out, ran on well, went 2nd towards finish, just held, 2nd of 14, hd behind Munsarim (9-7) at Kempton 1m 3f hcp (6) pol in Oct.
