led, ridden 5 out, challenged 2 out, soon headed and no extra
keen tracking leader, lost place 7th, weakened 8th, well behind next
tracked leaders and always going well, headway to join leader 2 out, led and soon clear after, driven out
in touch, headway approaching 7th and mistake, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
held up in rear, headway approaching 7th, chased leader next, weakened approaching 2 out
in touch, ridden and outpaced 7th, stayed on to chase clear winner last
Springfield Scally is still paying the price for his impressive Chepstow win, and runs here from a 10-lb higher mark. However, he remains capable of being competitive here. Diamond Joshua was third in the JCB Triumph but has been rated accordingly and lacks a recent run. Comex Flyer has won six of his last ten races and has to be given a chance even though he is 13lbs higher than for his last win over the smaller obstacles. His run behind Giocomo last time could look even better after that one has run in the 2:25pm race at Ascot, so watch out for that race. County Hurdle third Ben Ewar has every chance here if running to his best. Dubai Seven Stars is five pounds better off with Springfield Scally (who is ridden today by a good 5-lb claimer) for their Chepstow runs. The Flyer is five pounds higher than for his Hereford win and may have to settle for a place. If back to his best, Ben Ewar ought to go well and gets the vote.
