Progressive in the autumn, SOUL ICON (NAP) took a further step forward after a break here last month. Harry Kimber can claim his full 5lb allowance in today’s contest and the bottom weight should take all the beating again. Duke Of Luckley has gone up 9lb for a clear-cut success at Southwell but is probably the danger ahead of Rare Clouds, who also won last time at Southwell. Faint Hope and Tommydan look the pick of the remainder.
Faint Hope 10-1 (11-5) Prominent, ridden before 2 out, faded after last, 5th of 7, 11 1/4l behind Zyon (11-7) at Kempton 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in May.
Kuraka 8-1 (11-3) Mid-division until dropped to rear and pushed along after 3rd, rallied approaching 3 out, weakened before next, 5th of 9, 23 3/4l behind Shearer (11-12) at Newbury 2m 5f hcp (4) sft in Mar.
Finisk River 25-1 (11-13) Tracked leaders, pushed along and lost place well over 2 out, soon beaten, 7th of 10, dist behind Hardy Boy (11-1) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Apr.
Duke Of Luckley (IRE) 9-2 (11-0) In touch in mid-division, headway after 3 out, led before last, clear flat, readily, won at Southwell 2m hcp (4) gd in May beating Captain Ivan (12-1) by 9 1/2l, 9 ran.
Rare Clouds 28-1 (11-13) Towards rear, wide and headway to chase leader 2 out, led approaching next, ridden and ran on, won at Southwell 2m 4f hcp (5) gd in May beating Zinat (11-2) by 3 1/4l, 10 ran.
Tommydan (IRE) 22-1 (11-7) Held up, rider briefly lost iron 4 out, ridden and headway 2 out, stayed on to chase winner flat, 2nd of 13, 3/4l behind Killane (10-0) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp (5) gd in Mar.
Faro (FR) 14-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, went 2nd 4th, not fluent next, no chance with winner from 2 out, lost 2nd flat, 3rd of 4, 12 1/4l behind Mortlach (12-0) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) gd in May.
Soul Icon 3-1jfav (10-9) Raced keenly, tracked leader, led omitted 4th, made rest, clear omitted 2 out, stayed on well (3 hurdles in home straight omitted due to low sun, 2 hurdles jumped in total), won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (5) gd in May beating Watergrange Jack (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran.
Wolfspear (IRE) 9-2 (11-13) Led until 2nd, led next, headed 4th, led 5th, clear when jumped left 2 out, hung left after last, held on, won at Perth 2m 4f hcp (5) gs in May beating Petite Rhapsody (11-8) by 1 1/4l, 13 ran.
Bay Of Intrigue 7-2jfav (11-12) Behind, some headway 2 out, soon ridden and weakened, 6th of 9, 27 1/4l behind Mickyh (10-0) at Stratford 2m 3f hcp (5) gd in Apr.
