took strong hold in touch, went 2nd 4th, hit 3 out, every chance last, ridden and kept on flat
made all, pushed along approaching 2 out, ridden before last, driven out
held up, improved approaching 4th, ridden after 5th, weakened 3 out
chased winner to 4th, weakened before 2 out
held up, improved on outside approaching 4th, every chance 3 out, weakening when ridden after 2 out
The front-running Hallings Comet is a course specialist and is bidding for a sixth victory here. Solstalla is also a course and distance winner and will be all the better for her reappearance. Excellent Team ended a losing run at Newton Abbot in July but Oskemen fell at Southwell after winning a novice event at Uttoxeter and then finished last at Perth. COMPETITION is back in the right grade judged on his latest second to an in-form rival at Newton Abbot and looks weighted to win in handicap company for the first time here.
Competition 11-2 (11-12) Jumped right, led, not fluent 3rd, headed and bumped last, no impression on winner flat, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Empreinte Reconce (11-5) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f hcp (4) gs in Aug.
Hallings Comet 11-4fav (11-6) Led, soon well clear, reduced lead after 4th, headed 2 out, mistake last, no extra flat, 4th of 12, 12 1/4l behind Doubly Clever (11-10) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Aug.
Oskemen 10-1 (10-12) Chased leader until before omitted 3 out, weakened before omitted 2 out, last of 4, dist behind Nayati (11-12) at Perth 2m hcp (2) hvy in Aug.
Excellent Team 9-1 (11-5) Led narrowly to after 2nd, remained prominent, led again after 3 out, ridden after next, clear last, ran on, won at Newton Abbot 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Jul beating Powerstown Park (10-12) by 4l, 9 ran.
Solstalla 12-1 (10-13) Held up in rear, headway before 6th, no impression 2 out, 5th of 12, 16 3/4l behind Doubly Clever (11-10) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in Aug.