tracked leader until 13th, ridden and went 2nd again 4 out, blundered 3 out, led approaching last, idled run-in, headed near finish
chased leaders, ridden and weakened 11th
chased leaders, 2nd 13th, led approaching 4 out, ridden before 2 out, headed approaching last, no impression when lost 2nd final 100 yards
led until approaching 4 out, chased leaders, weakening when stumbled 2 out
behind, blundered 9th, not fluent next, tailed off and pulled up before 4 out
awkward 1st, held up, headway when blundered 13th, soon lost place
chased leaders, pushed along after 2 out, edged left and kept on run-in, led near finish
TOP CHIEF (NAP) just failed to concede 13lb to Regal Park when jumping boldly on his chase debut at Uttoxeter in a race in which subsequent Southwell hurdles winner Sgt Bull Berry was pulled up. He weakened quickly when favourite at Newton Abbot next time but may be worth another chance with his stable in good form. Sand Artist could go well but looks held by the selection on collateral form while Sylvan Legend has gone up 8lb since winning at Fontwell. Koultas King was a fair hurdler and should be approaching peak fitness now.
Koultas King (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, ridden and struggling before 9th, 11th of 13, dist behind Blackwell Synergy (10-8) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Jul.
Top Chief 10-3fav (11-9) Tracked leaders, weakened before 2 out, 5th of 9, 35l behind Foxes Bridge (11-12) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp (5) gs in Jul.
Court Of Law (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Prominent until 3rd, chased leaders, lost place 4 out, 7th of 12, 31 1/4l behind Temple Lord (11-9) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (5) gf in Jul.
Tribal Dance (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Led until 7th, led 9th until 10th, lost place 12th, soon behind, 5th of 9, 33l behind Moorlands George (11-3) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp (5) gd in Jul.
Sylvan Legend 13-2 (10-1) In touch, 2nd travelling well 3 out, led next, clear when not fluent last, driven and pressed briefly run-in, found extra final 100 yards, won at Fontwell 2m 5f hcp (5) gs in Aug beating The Wee Midget (10-6) by 1 1/4l, 10 ran.
Sand Artist (IRE) 7-1 (10-4) Mid-division, outpaced 5 out, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, kept on same pace from next, no impression, 4th of 14, 7 1/4l behind Dr Dreamy (10-0) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (5) gd in Aug.
Sgt Bull Berry 20-1 (10-0) Took keen hold, led after 1st, made rest, strongly pressed near finish, held on gamely, won at Southwell 3m hcp (5) gf in Aug beating Solway Bay (10-13) by nk, 10 ran.
