led, joined 5th, ridden and headed before last, kept on same pace
tracked leader and keen, lost place when mistake 4th
held up behind, headway before 3 out, switched left before last, kept on same pace
mid-division and keen, headway to join leader 5th, ridden and weakened before last
tracked leaders, weakened before 2 out
tracked leaders, headway before 3 out, led before last, soon pressed, kept on well towards finish
held up towards rear, headway before 3 out, challenged next, every chance last, no extra towards finish
held up behind, took keen hold, headway before 3 out, weakened last
Marju's Quest finished 11 lengths ahead of Henri De Boistron when fourth at Bangor and looks the best of those with experience. But it will be a surprise if at least one of the newcomers doesn't prove too good. Stephen Hero is definitely worth a second look for the in-form Dan Skelton as he won three times on the Flat in Ireland earlier this year for Andy Oliver. RUTHERGLEN also had decent form on the level in the summer, however, winning at Leicester and Windsor. He was also third over 2m at Haydock last month so stamina clearly won't be a problem and John Quinn's gelding can get off the mark over hurdles at the first time of asking. Mandy's Boy was essentially a miler on the Flat and he may need holding up if he's to get home.
Bugsy 40-1 (10-12) With leader, ridden and outpaced 2 out, 6th of 7, 17l behind Herod The Great (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 3yo hdl (4) gs in Oct.
Henri De Boistron (FR) 11-1 (10-12) Led and soon clear, not fluent 4 out, weakened before last, 5th of 6, 20l behind Sleepy Haven (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f 3yo mdn hdl (5) sft.
Mandy's Boy (IRE) 10-1 (9-3) Took keen hold chasing leaders on outside, went 3rd 3f out, ridden over 1f out, one pace and no impression inside final furlong, 6th of 11, 9l behind Canadian Run (9-7) at Lingfield 1m 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Sep (flat).
Marju's Quest (IRE) 5-2 (10-12) In rear and keen, headway before 2 out, ridden before last, one pace, 4th of 6, 8l behind Sleepy Haven (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f 3yo mdn hdl (5) sft.
Marlborough House 28-1 (10-12) Towards rear, pushed along before 4th, plugged on from 2 out, never dangerous, 5th of 10, 9l behind War Lord (10-12) at Sedgefield 2m 1f 3yo hdl (4) gs in Oct.
Rutherglen 14-1 (8-10) Mid-division, pushed along over 4f out, headway 3f out, went 3rd inside final furlong, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 12, 4l behind Perfect Heart (9-9) at Haydock 2m hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Oct (flat).
Stephen Hero (IRE) 14-1 (9-0) Mid-division and 10th halfway, ridden and 7th 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 5th of 22, 3 1/2l behind Ancient Sands (10-3) at Curragh 1m 4f hcp gd in Oct (flat).
Super Cookie 11-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, went 2nd 3f out, led 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 6th of 12, 11l behind Diplomatic (9-1) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-68 (5) pol in Oct (flat).