tracked leaders, left 2nd 3 out, soon challenged, ridden after next, every chance last, kept on under pressure flat, just held in 3rd near finish
held up in mid-division, tracked leaders 6th, close up on inside when brought down 3 out
tracked leader, left in lead 3 out, soon pressed, ridden before last, kept on under pressure flat, just held on
tracked leaders, lost place when blundered and rider lost iron briefly 5th, left tracking front pair 3 out, ridden after next, every chance last, kept on under pressure flat, just failed
held up behind, struggling 4 out, never on terms
led until fell 3 out
held up behind, headway and in touch on outside 8th, outpaced in 4th after 3 out, no impression from next
Luccombe Down has been in fine form this summer but steps up a grade off a 10lb higher mark than when completing his hat-trick at Stratford. Omid is a stout stayer who won easily at Cartmel in June but he's been found wanting when tried at this level in the past. Volcanic has been fighting a losing battle with the handicapper since winning at Bangor last December while Optimistic Bias has been chasing and also still looks a few pounds too high. SKYLANDER got back to winning ways at Worcester last month under Michael Heard, whose claim is a plus again here as the seven-year-old attempts a follow-up.
Volcanic (FR) 10-1 (11-12) Led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened before next, 7th of 10, 26 1/2l behind Hold Court (11-7) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Luccombe Down 8-11fav (12-5) Tracked leaders, 2nd from 7th, not fluent 3 out, led approaching last, ridden out, won at Stratford 2m 6f hcp (4) gd in Aug beating Mighty Leader (11-12) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Optimistic Bias (IRE) 7-1 (10-11) Mid-division, not fluent 1st, hit 9th, closed next, no impression from 3 out, blundered last, 5th of 9, 11 1/2l behind Ballyknock Lad (10-12) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (3) gd in Aug.
Skylander (IRE) 5-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, 2nd last, challenged flat, ran on, led close home, won at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (3) gd in Aug beating Listen And Learn (11-12) by nk, 7 ran.
Mr Mulliner (IRE) 7-1 (10-11) Towards rear, pushed along from 9th, weakened and pulled up before 3 out, at Roscommon 3m 1f hcp Good - Yielding in Jul.
Omid 5-1 (11-4) Led, headed 4 out, led again before next, drew clear between last 2, unchallenged after, easily, won at Cartmel 3m 1f hcp (4) sft in Jun beating Darsi Dancer (10-12) by 17l, 12 ran.
Factor Fifty (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) Held up in rear, not fluent 3 out, soon closed, 3rd before next, no extra flat, 3rd of 10, 9 1/4l behind Ruaraidh Hugh (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Jul.
