mid-division, lost place over 3f out
mid-division, headway over 3f out, chased leaders over 2f out, soon weakened
with leader, ridden and effort over 2f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, driven to challenge over 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
settled towards rear, smooth headway over 3f out, led over 2f out, quickened clear approaching final furlong, impressive
tracked leaders, every chance over 2f out, soon hard driven, kept on same pace close home
raced in rear, headway well over 2f out, soon chasing leaders, weakened final furlong
behind, pushed along 4f out, headway over 1f out, never nearer
pulled hard in rear, progress 2f out, chased winner inside final furlong, nearest finish
led until headed over 2f out, soon weakened
mid-division, pushed along well over 3f out, soon no impression
As is often the case in bumpers, there is not a lot of form for backers to go on and what can only be a tentative vote goes to Irish point winner MASTER MILAN, who makes his rules debut for the in-form Jonjo O'Neill stable and he may be worth chancing. Nicky Henderson does well with runners in this grade so Carabinier has to be considered but he disappointed on his Kempton debut. Royal Scoundrel and Vicpol have both won races but have a penalty to carry and a bigger threat may come from Sulpius, an American bred gelding, who makes his debut for Paul Nicholls. Practice Round looks the second best of Jonjo O'Neill's two runners behind Master Milan.
Royal Scoundrel (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Led, headed 4f out, soon outpaced and no chance with leading pair, lost moderate 3rd over 1f out, 4th of 15, 21l behind Kartanian (11-7) at Chepstow 2m NH flat (6) gs in Oct.
Vicpol (ITY) 80-1 (10-9) Held up in touch, went 2nd 5f out, led over 1f out, soon clear, ran on well, won at Stratford 2m NH flat (6) gf in Jun beating Whereveryougoigo (11-0) by 12l, 14 ran.
Carabinier (FR) 15-8fav (10-13) Keen held up in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 15, 25l behind Fontano (10-10) at Kempton 2m mdn NH flat (6) gd in Apr.
El Padrino (IRE) Definite Article gelding out of Nova Rose.
Knight Pass (IRE) Accordion gelding out of Toulon Pass.
Loch Ba (IRE) Craigsteel gelding out of Lenmore Lisa.
Master Milan (IRE) 2-1 (11-7) Mid div, 5th 1/2 way, 3rd 4out, 2nd 3out, ld bef last, kow flat, won at Athlacca 3m ire ptp fm in May, 10 ran.
Practice Round (IRE) Brian Boru gelding out of Slaney Athlete.
Sire De Grugy (FR) My Risk gelding out of Hirlish.
Sulpius (GER) Tertullian gelding out of Suva.
Tenby Jewel (IRE) Pilsudski gelding out of Supreme Delight.
San Salito (FR) Sassanian gelding out of Lita.