chased leader to 5th, remained handy, chased winner when jumped left 4 out and next, lost 2nd last, weakened flat
chased leaders until dropped rear 3rd, never going well after, tailed off
close up, chased leader 5th to 8th, outpaced 4 out, rallied under pressure to chase winner last, strong challenge near finish, just failed
started slowly, ridden and close up from 3rd, went 2nd 8th, led approaching 4 out, idled from 2 out, edged left and not look keen flat, just held on
led to approaching 4 out, weakened after next
Monte Cristo gets the vote over Jurado Express, Marked Man and Master Rex. Monte Cristo has come back a fresh horse after a summer break, and Lavinia Taylor's charge should make that count today. He beat Dun An Doras cosily enough at Stratford on his return, and then only failed by a length and a half to give weight to Mouseski at Fontwell next time. He is a bit deliberate at his fences sometimes but makes most appeal here. Jurado Express was useful in Ireland for Arthur Moore and should pay his way, but may be just a bit high in the weights at present. Marked Man was pulled up behind Cobbet at Uttoxeter in June and will come on for the run. He was fancied that day and will soon get the losses back. Master Rex posted a fair effort at Cheltenham last time, while Hors La Loi never threatened at Kempton. Abalvino is best watched today and for the winner we return to Monte Cristo.
