led, ridden along before 3 out, lost lead 2 out, weakened
held up last, mistake 2nd, travelled well before 3 out, led after 2 out, clear lead last, easily
keen early, mistake 4th, ridden along before 3 out, weakened
tracked leader, disputing lead 8th, every chance 3 out in 2nd, mistake 2 out, one pace thereafter
Azzuri hasn't looked the force of old for some time but his last two runs revealed the fires still burn and he's run some of his better races here in recent seasons, notably when a good second over course and distance on his penultimate start. He should go close but FOURTH OF JULY is an improving young chaser who should have more to offer after just five starts over fences. He receives plenty of weight all round and can maintain his progress. Coole Well is interesting after wind surgery on a first start for Fergal O'Brien and Siannes Star's latest effort shows he's not to be ruled out either.
Azzuri 6-4fav (11-5) Went left and bumped 1st, pressed leader at strong pace, challenged from 7th, led 4 out until ridden home turn, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Fairway Freddy (11-6) at Plumpton 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Coole Well (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Refused to race initially, set off around 20 lengths adrift, headway into midfield before 1st (usual 2nd), chased leaders last (usual 5th), ridden before bypassed 3 out, weakened soon after, 4th of 8, 10 1/4l behind Percy Pops (11-6) at Doncaster 2m 1f hcp (4) hvy in Dec.
Siannes Star (IRE) 18-1 (11-8) Held up, headway and ridden after 3 out, went second before last, kept on flat, 2nd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Iconic Muddle (12-0) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) gd in May.
Fourth Of July (IRE) 9-2 (10-3) Held up towards rear, mistake 4th, closed 6th, not fluent 8th, outpaced when left 3rd and slightly hampered 4 out, well beaten from next, 3rd of 6, 17 1/4l behind Slanelough (11-0) at Ayr 2m hcp (3) gd in Apr.