held up early until raced in mid-division after 2nd, closer in 3rd before 5th, going nicely under 2 out and headway into 2nd on turn, edged left and over length behind approaching last, kept on same pace until no extra closing stages
made all, going well under 2 out, over length ahead approaching last, ridden out and in control flat
tracker leader, ridden in 2nd under 2 out, soon dropped to 3rd, weakened well before last
held up, pushed along after 5th, outpaced by leaders under 2 out, headway into 4th on turn, closed into 3rd before last, kept on same pace flat
held up early until chased leaders on outer after 2nd, dropped to 4th before 5th, pushed along under 2 out, soon ridden and weakened before turn
chased leaders early until held up after 2nd, dropped to last after 3rd and pushed along, struggling after 5th and outpaced under 3 out, kept on from under 2 out, closed well into 4th near finish, no threat
NonRunner
Four last-time-out winners clash. Guinness Affair impressed in his Huntingdon bumper and may outclass his rivals but hurdling experience often proves crucial in such contests and he's let go at the likely prices. Our Colossus and Kazontherazz scored in just workmanlike fashion to land maiden hurdles and can progress again but SMALL BAD BOB is preferred. The gelding only landed a very modest novice at Newton Abbot but it's his previous performances when runner-up to the likes of Chez Hans and Restandbethankful which take the eye. Danking hasn't won on the Flat but has shown ability and is an interesting hurdling recruit for Alan King.
Our Colossus (IRE) 3-1 (11-4) Midfield, progress 2 out to almost join leader, readily hit front turning for home, ridden before last and drew clear, eased down late on, won at Stratford 2m mdn (4) gd in Jul beating Ibbenburen (11-4) by 2 1/4l, 8 ran.
Guinness Affair (FR) 5-1 (11-0) Prominent in chasing pack, pushed and outpaced before 3f out, ridden turning for home, switched left 2f out and stayed on well, led entering final furlong and soon powered clear, won at Huntingdon 2m (5) gf in May beating Westwood Ryder (10-8) by 4 1/2l, 8 ran.
Kazontherazz 11-4 (11-0) Prominent, headway to join leaders 3 out, ridden to lead before last, ran on well, won at Worcester 2m mdn (4) gd in Jul beating Flighty Bride (11-0) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Lisronagh Stone (IRE) 125-1 (11-4) Chased winner until 4 out, weakened before next, mistake last, last of 5, dist behind Forthegreatergood (10-11) at Worcester 2m 4f mdn (4) gd in Jul.
Danking 13-2 (8-12) Led after 1f, pushed along over 2f out, soon ridden, headed over 1f out, kept on final furlong, 3rd of 14, 3 3/4l behind Givepeaceachance (9-1) at Nottingham 1m 6f hcp (6) gd in Jul.
Lurgoe (GER) 11-1 (11-0) Midfield, pushed after 4th, dropped to rear 4 out, kept on but well behind, 6th of 8, 34 3/4l behind Our Colossus (11-4) at Stratford 2m mdn (4) gd in Jul.
Small Bad Bob (IRE) 1-5fav (11-0) Tracked leader, hit 5th, led going well approaching 3 out, clear before next, easily, won at Newton Abbot 2m 2f (4) sft in Jul beating Hazy Dream (10-7) by 6 1/2l, 5 ran.