chased leaders, went 2nd and bumped 16th, no impression on winner from 3 out, lost 2nd towards finish
led until after 4th, reminders after 10th, ridden, bumped and lost 2nd 16th, no extra from 4 out
chased leaders, stayed 4th but lost ground 3rd, pushed along and effort 13th, outpaced next, rallied 16th, no impression on winner 3 out, went 2nd towards finish
held up in rear, ridden before 4 out, disputing 4th last, never involved
chased leader, led after 4th, clear before 3 out, stayed on well
last pair, pushed along 12th, some headway 16th, no impression 4 out
There is a slight doubt concerning last month’s Bangor winner Wishfull Dreaming over this longer trip but Montanna and SIZING CUSIMANO (NAP) are proven stayers and in form. Preference is for the latter, who has been a bit unlucky twice since completing a double over track and trip in June. Young Wolf slips further down the ratings and Friends Don't Ask is still a six-year-old so should have plenty more to offer in chases. Dee Star is upped in grade and the weights, however, despite not winning.
Young Wolf (IRE) 6-1 (11-5) Held up in mid-division, struggling before 12th, well beaten 16th, went left 4 out, soon pulled up, at Uttoxeter 3m 2f hcp (2) gd in Jul.
Sizing Cusimano 7-4fav (11-10) Close up, led 4 out, headed 2 out, three lengths down last, rallied run-in, just held, 2nd of 5, hd behind Delight Of Dubai (11-4) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp (3) gd in Aug.
Montanna 2-1 (11-5) Led, not fluent 1st, headed after 6th, chased clear leader after, pushed along after 14th, closed gradually from 16th, not fluent 17th, led before last, drew clear, stayed on, won at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp (4) gd in Aug beating Ballyellis (11-12) by 7 1/2l, 4 ran.
Wishfull Dreaming 2-1fav (11-1) Last trio, plugged on in modest 4th from 3 out, 4th of 8, 7 3/4l behind Flying Verse (10-6) at Bangor-on-Dee 3m hcp (3) gd in Aug.
Friends Don't Ask 11-2 (10-2) Mid-division on inside, switched right after 7th, closed after next, racing awkwardly briefly after 14th, went 2nd after 16th until after 3 out, soon held, one pace, 4th of 9, 13 1/2l behind Storm Home (11-12) at Uttoxeter 3m 2f hcp (2) gd in Jul.
Dee Star (IRE) 7-2 (10-12) Held up in midfield, towards rear 6th, headway to chase leaders 11th, pushed along 13th, close up when awkward 4 out (water), ridden after 2 out, driven to lead narrowly entering home straight, edged right and headed close home, 2nd of 7, hd behind Go On Chez (10-5) at Cartmel 3m 1f hcp (4) gd in Aug.
