held up last, good headway approaching 4 out, challenged on bit and led approaching 3 out, ridden 2 out ,headed approaching last, no extra flat
led, ridden approaching 4 out, outpaced and headed approaching 3 out, hard ridden and rallied gamely from last, led final stride
held up towards rear, headway 11th and not fluent, ridden and challenged 4 out, weakened approaching 3 out
held up mid-division, going well when short of room and slipped bend after 4 out, soon pulled up
prominent, headway and challenged 4 out, ridden 3 out, led approaching last, hard ridden flat, headed close home
chased leader, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 4 out
Noble Justice gets the vote over Fear Siuil, with James Victor and Breaking Breeze needing to improve markedly to trouble him. The locals will be cheering on Noble Justice who looks all set to record his third victory over the course and distance after a welcome return to the winner's enclosure at Worcester in August. The nine-year-old had been off the track for no less than 18 months after the second of his successes here two years ago, but having been brought back steadily, it was pleasing to witness his latest victory, and a three-pound higher mark today is not a problem, considering that he is still only rated 109. Fear Siuil has plummeted down the weights this year but is not getting any younger, while James Victor was lucky to even finish a distance behind Glengarra at Stratford and is hard to fancy. Since going into handicap company, Breaking Breeze's only success has come in a seller last year, so he too looks eminently beatable, and Free Gift who had a big reputation as a point-to-pointer, was disappointing on his return at Uttoxeter where he was pulled up. He is not one to give up on yet, but he has it to do off topweight, and course specialist Noble Justice is very much preferred.
Noble Justice (IRE) 6-1 (10-2) Held up, headway to lead 3 out, hung right, stayed on, won at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-125 (D) gf in Aug beating Master Tern (11-1) by 1l, 4 ran.
Breaking Breeze (IRE) 10-3 (11-12) Chased winner to approaching 9th, hit 10th soon weakened, 5th of 9, 13l behind Blakeney Coast (11-0) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in Jun.
James Victor (IRE) 7-1 (10-5) Led until 4th, chased winner until weakening and mistake 4 out, left poor 2nd 2 out, 2nd of 6, well behind Glengarra (10-5) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (D) gd in Sept.
Fear Siuil (IRE) 7-2jt-fav (10-13) Held up rear, steady progress from 5 out, ridden when every chance approaching last, one pace flat, 3rd of 8, 9l behind Native Daisy (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp chs 0-110 (E) gf in Sept.
Sunshan 150-1 (9-7) In touch, ridden and weakened 9th, tailed off and pulled up 2 out in race won by Tamango (10-7) at N Abbot 2m 5f hcp chs 0-145 (B) gd in Aug, 16 ran.
Just Reuben (IRE) 33-1 (10-0) Led to 12th, soon ridden, stayed on gamely flat, 3rd of 10, 11l behind Thalys (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (E) gf in Sept.
Free Gift 3-1fav (11-2) Prominent and keen, hit 10th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Dead-Eyed Dick (11-6) at Uttoxeter 2m 5f hcp chs 0-120 (D) gf in Sept, 12 ran.
