tracked leaders in 3rd, chased winner 4th, hit 3 out, ridden and no chance before 2 out
led 3rd, came readily clear before 2 out, kept on strongly
led until hit 3rd, chased winner to next, blundered and weakened 5th, left poor 3rd 2 out
held up, effort and pushed along 3 out, driven and no response before next, well beaten when pulled up before 2 out
Percussionist is the pick over Massini's Maguire, with Neptune Collonges and Buena Vista certainly not out of things in this Grade 2 event. Percussionist was a classy sort on the Flat for John Gosden, finishing fourth in the 2004 Vodafone Derby and he was also a creditable second in this year's Yorkshire Cup. Not highly tried when hacking up on his Carlisle debut for Howard Johnson, this race will tell us more about his ability over timber, but with the wealth of talent at owner Graham Wylie's disposal, it is a major pointer that the son of Sadler's Wells lines up here. Neptune Collonges came over from France with a big reputation after being purchased by John Hales, and he did nothing to dent the faith connections have in him when scoring with ease at Chepstow on his British debut. However, he was made to look one-paced when only fourth to Black Jack Ketchum at Cheltenham next time, leaving the impression that he will always be better the softer the ground. Massini's Maguire finished nine lengths ahead of him at Cheltenham, and it is hard to see Paul Nicholls' charge reversing the form unless the ground turns even softer. Buena Vista has a penalty to carry and has to prove his effectiveness over this trip, but will ensure a healthy pace despite the small field and has more experience than the rest, so will have his supporters for sure, but Percussionist is a top recruit to the winter game and can pay to follow.
Massini's Maguire (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) In touch, joined leaders 6th, ridden to chase leaders 2 out, one pace approaching last, 3rd of 18, 6l behind Black Jack Ketchum (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (B) gs in Nov.
Neptune Collonges (FR) 11-4fav (11-5) Tracked leaders, led 5th, ridden soon after 3 out, weakening when headed soon after 2 out, 4th of 18, 15l behind Black Jack Ketchum (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl (B) gs in Nov.
No Guarantees 6-1 (10-12) Led, headed approaching 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 16, 6l behind Mr Pointment (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (E) gs in Nov.
Percussionist (IRE) 2-7fav (10-12) Close up, jumped right 1st, led approaching 2 out, ran on strongly, won at Carlisle 2m 1f nov hdl (E) sft in Nov beating Witch Wind (10-7) by 6l, 12 ran.
Buena Vista (IRE) 9-4fav (11-7) Led and set strong pace, driven between last 2, no extra, headed final 100 yards, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Boychuk (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (A) gs in Nov.
