mid-division on inner, headway in 4th under 2 out when short of room briefly, closed into 2nd before last, ran on well and pressed winner closing stages
held up, niggled along under 2 out, no headway and held before last
held up in rear, pushed along and outpaced under 2 out, closed before last, ran on strongly flat and took 4th near finish, never dangerous
chased leaders, pressed leader under 2 out, dropped to 3rd before last, kept on same pace until weakened closing stages and dropped to 5th
in rear of mid-division on outer, closer before 8th, outpaced by leaders in 6th under 2 out, headway into 4th before last, ran on well flat and took 3rd closing stages, no threat
tracked leader, pressed leader under 2 out and soon led, length ahead before last, pressed and ran on well flat
led, niggled along under 3 out and soon pressed, headed under 2 out, dropped to 4th turning in and soon weakened
mid-division, pushed along and left behind by leaders under 2 out, weakened well before last
OSCAR MONTEL (NAP) travelled sweetly when scoring stylishly over fences at Worcester a week ago. Back over hurdles, he's a promising type capable of further improvement and can defy topweight with conditions to suit. Wicked Willy has been performing creditably over timber but may lack the necessary class to handle the selection. Lithic remains something of a law unto himself despite his natural ability and was well beaten the last day, although he is down 3lb here. No Fixed Charges appeared to win with something in hand at Market Rasen on just his third hurdling start and looks progressive. He's likely to prove the most troublesome to our choice.
Oscar Montel (IRE) 15-8fav (11-12) Prominent on inside, challenged 2 out, soon led, clear flat, readily, won at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Jul beating Delight Of Dubai (11-10) by 8 1/2l, 7 ran.
Wicked Willy (IRE) 14-1 (11-11) Held up towards rear, headway after 3rd, led before 3 out, headed last, no extra final 100 yards, 2nd of 9, 8l behind Catchmeifyoucan (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Lithic (IRE) 9-2 (11-10) Raced in last, closed 3 out, no impression, weakened next, 4th of 5, 22 1/2l behind Drumlee Watar (11-10) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (4) gs in Jul.
Shinobi (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Chased leaders on outside, lost place 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 6th of 7, dist behind Ballinsker (11-10) at Southwell 2m hcp (4) gd in Jun.
No Fixed Charges (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Held up in rear, jumped right and not fluent 2nd, headway before slow 3rd, went 2nd before 2 out, led last, stayed on well, won at Market Rasen 2m 7f mdn (4) gd in Jun beating Wigglesworth (11-4) by 2 1/4l, 7 ran.
Tel'art (FR) 33-1 (10-1) Mid-division, pushed along after 4 out, plugged on run-in, never a threat, 6th of 15, 3 1/4l behind Small Present (11-6) at Haydock 3m hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Aye Aye Charlie 10-1 (11-7) Chased leaders on inside, mistake 4 out, weakening and last when mistake 3 out, last of 5, 23 3/4l behind Drumlee Watar (11-10) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (4) gs in Jul.
Flying Verse 14-1 (11-4) In leading pair, outright lead 10th, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened after last, 4th of 9, 18 3/4l behind Quartz Du Rheu (11-7) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Jul.
