made most until ridden and headed 2 out, driven and every chance flat, held close home
disputed lead until 3rd, stayed 2nd, pushed along after 4 out, challenged from 3 out, led 2 out, driven out
in touch in last, outpaced 4 out, weakened next
Nonrunner
Beat That looked a high-class hurdler in 2014 when winning two Grade 1 novice events. But he’s clearly had his problems in recent years, though didn’t run badly after yet another lay-off at Sandown last month. It remains to be seen if a switch to fences will reignite his career and the experience of BROTHER TEDD is preferred. Philip Hobbs’ grey has been placed in four of his six starts over fences and was only beaten a neck by an improving chaser at Sandown last time. Black Corton, a decent sort over hurdles, came up against Altior on his only previous run over fences and should find this opposition less daunting.
Beat That (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, tracked leaders before 2 out, ridden and one pace between last 2, weakened last, 6th of 8, 13 1/2l behind L'Ami Serge (11-0) at Sandown 2m 5f (1) gd in Apr.
Brother Tedd 7-1 (10-7) Held up towards rear, tracked leaders after 5th, outpaced when not fluent 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on to press winner towards finish, just held, 2nd of 10, nk behind Shantou Village (11-6) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Mari Me Oscar (IRE) 40-1 (10-5) Held up 4th and last, tracked front pair from 4th, went 2nd at 10th, no chance with winner from 12th, 2nd of 4, 29l behind Bagad Bihoue (11-4) at Warwick 2m 4f (4) gd in May.
Black Corton (FR) 16-1 (11-12) Mid-division, tracked leaders 3 out, every chance next, one pace last, no impression in 4th flat, 4th of 16, 7 1/4l behind Wait For Me (11-7) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Vodka 'n Tonic (IRE) 7-4fav (11-9) Tracked leaders, ridden after 2 out, kept on same pace, no impression, 4th of 6, 6 1/4l behind Cusheen Bridge (11-12) at Southwell 2m hcp (4) gd in Aug.