tracked leaders, led 3rd, joined next, ridden 2 out, headed approaching last, lost 2nd close home
held up, effort 2 out, ridden weakened flat
fly leapt start, tracked leader, ridden to lead approaching last, ran on (all flights omitted in back straight due to low sun)
keen led, headed 3rd, joined leader next, ridden 3 out, weakened next, tailed off
in touch, slow 1st(normal 3rd)and dropped to rear, behind from 4th(normal 6th), tailed off
in rear, ridden 3 out, headway 2 out, kept on one pace
close up, headway 2 out, ridden and stayed on to go 2nd near finish
Volvalien made all at Bangor when My Renaissance was a never-nearer third. The fifth that day was Dark Invader and that one had earlier proved too strong for Golden Vision at Worcester but Brian Ellison’s charge could face a battle for the lead here from Lord Ben and the rejuvenated Ink Master. OLD SALT won his first chase at Market Rasen last month and may still be a step ahead of the handicapper. He gets a tentative vote in a tricky affair in which Boss Des Mottes could also make his presence felt with the race likely to be run to suit.
Volvalien (FR) 10-1 (11-9) Made all, clear 2nd until after 6th, hard pressed from 2 out, driven flat, kept finding and in command towards finish, won at Bangor 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Aug beating Salto Chisco (11-9) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Golden Vision (FR) 3-1 (11-12) Chased leader, led and went left 3rd, clear next until after 8th, joined 3 out, ridden approaching last, headed run-in, no extra, 3rd of 6, 3l behind Dark Invader (10-11) at Worcester 2m hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Ink Master (IRE) 13-8fav (11-12) Raced keenly, led and soon clear, mistake 3rd, came back to the field next, headed 7th, ridden before 3 out, left in clear lead 2 out, hit last, won at Perth 2m hcp (4) gd in Aug beating Honourable Gent (11-12) by 32l, 5 ran.
Lord Ben (IRE) 8-1 (10-0) Led, ridden and headed when jumped right 2 out, 3rd and held flat, kept on, 3rd of 5, 3 3/4l behind I'dliketheoption (10-11) at Worcester 2m hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Old Salt (IRE) 11-10fav (11-1) Prominent, left in lead 6th, not fluent 5 out, soon headed, led again after next, mistake 3 out, headed before next, rallied last, led again flat, stayed on gamely, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Jul beating Atlantic Storm (12-2) by 1l, 6 ran.
My Renaissance 6-1 (11-0) Held up in last trio, not fluent 5th or 3 out, headway before 2 out, went 3rd last, no impression on front pair, 3rd of 7, 13 1/2l behind Volvalien (11-9) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Boss Des Mottes (FR) 9-2 (11-10) Held up in touch, headway into 2nd after 4 out, led after next, driven clear from 2 out, stayed on well, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Aug beating Marju's Quest (11-12) by 13l, 8 ran.