jumped left but well, led 1st, about 4 lengths clear when saddle slipped and unseated rider 110 yards from line, unlucky
chased leaders, pushed along after 12th, weakened before 2 out
jumped left at times, led until 1st, chased winner, mistake 3 out, weakened from next, left 3rd flat
held up in rear, headway 2 out, about 4 lengths down when left disputing lead 110 yards from line, stayed on, holding 2nd towards finish
held up in rear, jumped right 7th, blundered 9th, not much room 4 out, headway 3 out, went 2nd 2 out, about 4 lengths down when left disputing lead 110 yards from line, held towards finish
Asockastar’s last win over fences came on this track but that was more than two years ago. Kabrit has won here and at Uttoxeter this year and has every chance on that form but Shoal Bay returns from a length absence and Yeavering Belle is tried in cheekpieces having become disappointing. QUARTZ DU RHEU’s course and distance victory in July has worked out well and Jonjo O’Neill’s six-year-old can shrug off an 8lb rise.
Shoal Bay (IRE) 6-1 (11-2) Jumped left throughout, pressed leader, led 5 out, jumped markedly left at the last two fences, stayed on strongly, won at Ludlow 3m hcp (3) gf in Oct beating Relentless Dreamer (11-7) by 3l, 8 ran.
Asockastar (IRE) 11-1 (12-2) Awkward 3rd, soon towards rear, closer 9th, weakened after 3 out, 6th of 7, 27l behind Tanarpino (11-6) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Aug.
Yeavering Belle 11-4 (11-0) Led until after 2nd, chased leader, blundered and unseated rider 15th, at Southwell 3m hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Quartz Du Rheu (FR) 7-2jfav (11-7) Held up, headway to chase leaders before 4 out, nudged along 3 out, joined leaders 2 out, ridden to lead after last, ran on well, won at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Jul beating Outonpatrol (11-13) by 1 3/4l, 9 ran.
Kabrit (IRE) 2-1fav (11-5) Held up in rear, jumped right 3rd and 8th, steady headway 4 out, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, one pace from 2 out, 4th of 7, 17 1/4l behind Wishfull Dreaming (11-4) at Bangor-on-Dee 3m hcp (4) gd in Aug.