led until headed 7th, reminders and dropped to rear next, behind when pulled up
held up in touch, outpaced 5 out, soon behind, left remote 3rd 3 out, kept on from next
with leader, led 7th to 9th, hit 14th, driven and 9 lengths down when left in lead 3 out, ridden and kept on from next
held up in touch, mistake 6th, reminders 8th, blundered 10th and fell
tracked leaders, led 9th, 9 lengths clear when fell
held up in touch, headway 10th, outpaced 4 out, under pressure when left 2nd 3 out, no impression on winner
Fashions Monty can continue to improve and land the spoils here ahead of Ballyusky, and Flying Instructor. Fashions Monty has been a revelation this season and his form has mirrored that of his stable in general. The eight-year-old has completed a hat-trick of wins in fine style, twice at Hexham and one at Sedgefield sandwiched in between. In fact the improvement has been phenomenal, as he appears to have found a stone since coming back to the fray, and although this class C contest will be his toughest task, he is taken to pass the test with flying colours. Ballylusky will not go down without a battle, and with the stable's runners starting to show their true colours, the Aintree winner should be involved in the finish. Flying Instructor is a bit long in the tooth now but has won here in the past, and holds Only Once on running here three weeks ago. Doe Nal Rua should give a good account off his light weight and over this longer trip, but we are happy to stick with the progressive Fashions Monty who looks more value than Ballylusky.
