led to 4th, tracked leader, lost place 13th, soon struggling, tailed off from 3 out
in touch, lost place 5th, reminders 8th, mistake 11th, soon behind, pulled up after 13th
in touch, hit 11th, led 13th, ridden and stayed on well flat
held up, reminders and lost touch 13th, eased and pulled up before next
in touch, led 4th, blundered 12th, headed next, chased leaders until mistake and lost place 3 out, soon weakened
held up, headway to track winner 14th, effort 3 out, soon ridden, clear 2nd eased flat
in rear, mistake 3rd, ridden and outpaced 2 out, went poor 3rd when hung right flat
In a race lacking any real strength in depth it may be worth chancing Rag Week, who makes more appeal than main rivals Pangeran and Tee-Jay. The last mentioned is gradually slipping to a fair mark and has to be respected but may still need some more help from the handicapper. Given his connections, Tierkely cannot be completely ruled out although recent form leaves something to be desired, while the other Irish raider Innisfree would not look to be particularly well treated on his British debut. Danteco was well held on his reappearance and may need another run or two to put him spot on, while Iron Express has given little sign for encouragement of late. Recent Fontwell winner Pangeran receives weight all round and has to be considered but it may be worth taking a chance on Rag Week. Evan Williams can normally be relied upon to have his horses ready first time out so lack of a recent run need not be of concern and, with his stamina proven, he looks worth a punt.
Rag Week (IRE) 5-2jt-fav (11-12) Prominent, jumped slowly and lost place 2nd, weakened 12th, took poor 3rd approaching 2 out, 3rd of 6, 46l behind Frentzen (11-7) at Hereford 3m 1f nov hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in Sept.
Iron Express 5-1 (10-5) Tracked leaders, lost place after 11th, soon beaten, 5th of 9, 29l behind High Gear (10-11) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gd.
Innisfree (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) Tracked leader in 2nd, lost place from 5 out, soon no impression under pressure, 5th of 11, 12l behind Domnul Admiral (11-12) at Cork 2m 5f beg chs frm.
Tierkely (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Behind, struggling 4 out, never dangerous, 6th of 8, 34l behind Swallow Magic (10-5) at Sedgefield 2m 5f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf.
Danteco 22-1 (10-9) Mistakes, led 2nd to 5th, led briefly 7th, ridden 9th, soon outpaced, 4th of 10, well behind Now Then Sid (10-5) at Sedgefield 2m 5f hcp chs 0-110 (E) frm in Jul.
Tee-Jay (IRE) 5-1 (10-13) Chased leader to before 3 out, soon ridden, weakened from next, 4th of 10, 19l behind Beaugency (11-7) at Market Rasen 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-100 (E) gd in Jul.
Pangeran (USA) 11-1 (9-11) Led 2nd to 14th, stayed prominent, narrow lead 3 out, pressed from next, driven out flat, won at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp chs (F) gf beating River Quoile (10-1) by 2l, 7 ran.
