jumped right, led until 3 out, weakened after 2 out
chased leader, led 3 out, jumped left and not fluent last, stayed on well, ridden out
chased front pair until before 3rd, closed before 4 out, went 2nd approaching last, no impression
held up in rear, hit 7th, headway before 4 out, soon lost ground, mistake and no impression 2 out
held up in rear, took keen hold, closed before 3rd, switched right and close up 2 out, lost 2nd and well held before last, stayed on final 100 yards
NonRunner
MERCIAN PRINCE was formerly a high-class performer and he showed at Kempton in May that he still retains plenty of ability despite those advancing years. Feel The Pinch landed a double with a win over hurdles at Bangor and can race off the same mark back over the larger obstacles while Blueberry Wine has paid his way since switching to fences and a recent disappointment at Worcester may have been as a result of the race coming too soon after his convincing success at Aintree. Sir Tivo prospered for a canny ride from Sean Bowen at Southwell and his presence aboard the nine-year-old is a positive. Cracking Destiny was raced more prominently when prevailing here a fortnight ago and a 5lb rise for those labours doesn’t appear to be a harsh call.
Mercian Prince (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) 8th of 9, dist behind Mister Champdoux (10-5) at Clairefontaine 2m 2f sft in Jun.
Sir Tivo (FR) 8-1 (11-3) Prominent, led 5th, headed next, led 4 out, ridden before last, headed close home, 2nd of 8, shd behind Al Zaraqaan (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (2) gd in Jul.
Cracking Destiny (IRE) 10-1 (12-0) Tracked leaders on inside, switched right and went 2nd before the last, led last, kept on well run-in, won at Stratford 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Jul beating Blaze A Trail (11-3) by 4 1/4l, 8 ran.
Blueberry Wine (IRE) 11-8fav (11-4) Chased leader until after 4th, went 2nd again 6th, every chance 2 out, ridden flat, stayed on, 2nd of 4, 1l behind Stepney Causeway (11-4) at Worcester 2m hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Romanor 15-8 (12-0) Held up in last, closed from 11th, 3rd 4 out, pushed along before 3 out, no impression on winner but went 2nd before last, 2nd of 4, 5 1/2l behind Honey I'm Good (10-10) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp (4) gs in Jul.
Feel The Pinch 11-4 (11-7) Midfield, close up in touch 3 out, soon ridden, 2 lengths down in 3rd 2 out, 5 lengths down approaching last when left in 2nd, stayed on well run-in, led near finish, won at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Jun beating Hidalgo De L'isle (11-13) by 2 1/2l, 4 ran.
