with leader, ridden and weakened after 3 out
always prominent, quickened to lead approaching 2 out, soon clear, easily
held up, in touch when blundered and unseated rider 5th
held up, in touch when fell 3 out
took keen hold early, prominent, lost place after 4th, struggling 3 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, no danger
held up, headway after 5th, led 3 out, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon beaten, weakened flat
led to 3 out, ridden and weakening when mistake 2 out
reluctanct to race, came to a stop on landing 1st and pulled up
held up, headway 4th, lost place after 3 out, rallied 2 out, went 2nd last, no chance with winner
Master Nimbus can win the finale at the expense of Jacaranda and Rookery Lad. The selection was in great form last season and has continued on that theme this term with wins at Wetherby and Redcar on the flat this summer. He seems a versitle horse and was not discredited here when beaten by East Tycoon last time over hurdles and if returning to that form then he will take all the beating. Jacaranda looks an improving type and has had little racing experience over hurdles. He improved from his debut to win at Worcester but was beaten by Mlord here last time out which exposed his ability so he is best watched for the time being. Rookery Lad was withdrawn at Worcester the other day but takes his chance here with top weight to carry. He was in tip top form completing a four timer this summer but came unstuck last time out at Perth so the winning thread looks to have come to an end for the time being. So for the winner we return to Master Nimbus.
Rookery Lad 8-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, prominent after 8th, led 10th until 4 out, soon ridden and weakened from 2 out, 8th of 10, 46l behind Ball O Malt (10-11) at Perth 2m 4f hcp chs 0-140 (2) gf in Jul.
Jacaranda (IRE) 2-1fav (11-12) Mid-division, headway after 6th, weakened 2 out, 4th of 12, 14l behind M'lord (11-10) at Stratford 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Jul.
Master Nimbus 7-2 (10-0) Raced keenly, held up, headway 6th, ridden after 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 4th of 7, 11l behind East Tycoon (11-12) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf in Jul.
Polar Passion 25-1 (10-3) In touch, mistake, lost place and reminded 5th, behind when blundered next, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Speed Venture (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) hvy in Feb, 12 ran.
Golden Square 33-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, led, ridden and headed 2 out, soon weakened, 5th of 14, 19l behind Heathcote (10-12) at Lingfield 2m 3yo nov hdl (D) sft in Dec.
Lunar Sovereign (USA) 9-4fav (11-3) In rear, slightly hampered 4th lost touch from 6th, 3rd of 6, well behind Duke's View (10-0) at N Abbot 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd.
Brave Dane (IRE) 7-2 (10-0) Slowly away and reluctant to race, in rear, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, one pace, no impression from last, 4th of 8, 10l behind Cream Cracker (10-9) at Southwell 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd.
Meltonian 9-1 (11-12) With leader, led 3rd until after 4th, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 7th of 12, 11l behind Stoneyford Ben (11-6) at Stratford 2m amt hcp hdl (4) gf in Jul.
