raced wide close up, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on to go 3rd towards finish
tracked winner until ridden over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
made all, pushed along and quickened 2 lengths clear over 1f out, ran on, eased close home
dwelt close up in rear, pushed along over 2f out, not trouble leaders
keen early, tracked leaders, ridden to chase clear winner over 1f out, no impression
Pianissimo, who started odds-on for his first two races, only showed moderate form and looked very one-paced when third at Newcastle last month. Ballylemon showed potential in strong company in his first season but disappointed on his two starts in the spring. Rory And Me has won two bumpers on good ground and being by Shamardal should have no problems dropping back in trip while The Accountant won a handicap hurdle at Worcester last month and is no forlorn hope. Simon Crisford's horses continue in superb form and though the 340,000gns ISOCRATES wouldn't have been expected to be making a belated debut in a race such as this it won't take much winning and he can make a successful start.
Rory And Me (FR) 6-4fav (11-4) Made all, hard driven well over 1f out, all out, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f (4) gd in Aug beating Bucko's Boy (10-11) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
The Accountant 10-1 (11-5) Chased leader, led 5th, clear when pushed along approaching 2 out, unchallenged, won at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (5) gd in Aug beating Akkapenko (10-5) by 13l, 15 ran.
Ballylemon (IRE) 3-1fav (9-3) Steadied start, held up in rear, some late headway, never on terms, 5th of 10, 7 1/4l behind Kiefer (8-11) at Newbury 1m 3f hcp (4) gd in May.
Isocrates (USA) Dansili colt out of I Am Beautiful.
Pianissimo 3-1 (9-3) Held up, headway over 3f out, pushed along 3f out, 3rd and one pace over 1f out, 3rd of 5, 4l behind Wise Ruler (9-3) at Newcastle 1m 2f stks (5) pol in Aug.