chased leading pair, went 2nd 14th, ridden to lead when pecked 3 out, 2 lengths ahead last, all out
led, clear 3rd until not fleunt 6th, driven after 4 out, headed 3 out, rallied flat, stayed on
chased leader, reminder after 5th and 12th, driven from next, weakened 4 out
held up, mistake 11th, hit 15th, went 3 lengths 3rd 4 out, mistake 3 out, weakened 2 out
held up, not fluent 6th, soon lost touch, tailed off 8th, pulled up after 12th
Brinkmanship is a confident selection here. Contract Dancer and Downing Street can provide the sternest challenges. The last named has been plying his trade (admittedly unsuccessfully) under both codes this season and lacks nothing for fitness. He is unexposed over fences and, having shown sparkle since being fitted with a visor, he can make a bold attempt again here. Contract Dancer has little to find in a race of this nature and, should the likely favourite fail to deliver for any reason, he is sure to be waiting in the wings. However, Brinksmanship, who was useful over hurdles, took to fencing well with a smooth success at Uttoxeter last month. A run that helped confirm Tim Vaughan as a trainer to follow for the time being. That was a very pleasing introduction to the chasing game for the six-year-old and he is the most appealing contender on show tonight.
Brinkmanship (USA) 11-4 (11-0) Held up, headway 11th, led after 5 out, stayed on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m 6f beg chs (4) gf in Jul beating Learning The Blues (11-0) by 4 1/2l, 10 ran.
Contact Dancer (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) With leaders, driven, outpaced 3 out, ridden, one pace approaching last, 3rd of 8, 13l behind Love That Benny (11-12) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf in Jul.
Timetwogo 5-1 (11-2) Tracked leader, led after 8th, headed 3 out, soon ridden and weakened, 6th of 9, well behind Valerius (10-4) at Perth 3m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Jul.
Downing Street (IRE) 11-4 (10-11) In rear, headway 14th, challenged 2 out, every chance last, carried left flat, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Withington (11-0) at Hereford 3m 1f beg chs (4) gf in Jun.
Homeleighwildchild 100-1 (10-0) Led, jumped left 2nd, headed next, soon weakened, last of 10, well behind Cortinas (11-6) at Huntingdon 2m nov hdl (4) gd in May.
