held up, pulled up lame after 13th
chased leaders, reminder after 3rd, ridden and lost place after 11th, lost touch 13th
led, ridden and headed approaching 14th, outpaced approaching 4 out, rallied from 2 out, kept on to take 2nd flat
took keen hold, chased leaders, hit 12th, every chance after 3 out, one pace from 2 out
chased leader, hit 13th, weakened after 14th, eased from approaching 2 out, blundered last
held up in touch, jumped slowly 8th, went 2nd 13th, led approaching 14th, headed and mistake 4 out, mistake 3 out, still disputing 2nd when landed awkwardly 2 out, not recover
held up, headway after 13th, led and not fluent 4 out, ridden after 3 out, stayed on
Maidstone Monument can defy a penalty at the expense of Meehan, Westmeath Flyer and Blazing Hills to name but three. In what promises to be a closely-fought affair, Maidstone Monument can come out on top to make it three wins in his last four starts. Alison Thorpe's charge has won four times with Richard Johnson on board, and indeed was successful here just last week. In that contest over two-and-a-half miles, it appeared as though Cobbet had his measure as they turned for home, but the selection got a second wind to score in thrilling fashion, and despite a 7lb penalty, he should again take the beating, with the longer trip not a problem. Meehan won a novices' chase at Worcester well enough last time, and should go well even though he has more on his plate here. Westmeath Flyer also bolted up at Perth a week ago, and he too has to shoulder a penalty. At the age of 11, there cannot be much improvement to come, but he is enjoying a glorious twilight. Blazing Hills goes well round here and was successful over further the time before last. He unseated at the fifth on his last visit, but if staying upright can also be involved. Maidstone Monument has done nothing wrong lately, and looks best in a decent little handicap.
Westmeath Flyer 5-2jt-fav (11-6) Mid-division, headway 5th, every chance 4 out, ridden and led next, kept on well, won at Perth 2m 4f nov chs (3) gf beating Field Roller (11-6) by 13l, 9 ran.
Misty Future 20-1 (10-5) Led, headed 3rd, stayed prominent, chased leader 3 out, held when fell in race won by Celtic Boy (11-7) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf in Jun, 11 ran.
Maidstone Monument (IRE) 10-3fav (10-12) Led, driven along from 4 out, headed approaching 3 out, rallied from 2 out, led flat, ran on, won at Stratford 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf beating Cobbet (11-8) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.
Meehan (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (11-0) Mid-division, headway 10th, led going well after 14th, ridden out, won at Worcester 2m 7f nov chs (4) gd in Jun beating Cross The Highman (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Blazing Hills 10-1 (9-11) Behind when blundered and unseated rider in race won by On The Outside (10-8) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd, 11 ran.
Keltic Lord 7-1 (11-7) Prominent, lost place 9th, no danger after, 4th of 14, 12l behind Idbury (11-11) at Worcester 3m nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd.
Leopold (SLO) 9-1 (10-12) Always towards rear, 4th of 8, 27l behind Lutea (10-12) at Cartmel 2m 1f beg chs (4) gf.
