disputed lead to before 3rd, tracked winner until ridden and lost place after 11th, weakened 4 out, tailed off
made virtualy all, clear 4 out to after last, ridden and stayed on flat
jumped right, in rear, lost touch 9th, tailed off
jumped right early, tracked leading pair, effort to chase winner after 11th, no impression when jumped right 4 out, lost place next, soon weakened, tailed off
jumped right early, held up in 4th, chased leading pair after 11th, went 6 lengths 2nd 3 out, ridden last, hung left and stayed on flat, no impression
The claims of THE JIGSAW MAN are very compelling here and it'll be disappointing if AP can't guide this one home in front. Not only does the Champion have a profitable record at Worcester, he also shines when riding for Rebecca Curtis and her runner impressed over course and distance two starts back. A subsequent disappointment is best forgiven as he reverted to hurdles and had to carry a big weight, so back over fences confidence is strong. If he's not up to the task, Magical Legend and Intac would be the pair most likely to benefit. The former is a versatile mare whose hurdles form entitles her to respect while Intac needs to improve but is lightly-raced and at the top of his game. Venir Rouge may need this first run in over three months while Canal Bank is one to hold back on until his attentions are switched to handicaps and The Jigsaw Man is our answer to the puzzle.
Intac (IRE) 15-8fav (11-9) Led until 8th, led approaching 10th, ridden after 2 out, edged right flat, driven out, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Jul beating Tritonville Lodge (11-9) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
The Jigsaw Man (IRE) 5-2fav (11-5) Led, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened flat, 3rd of 12, 10l behind Tarvini (10-4) at Worcester 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gf in Jun.
Canal Bank (IRE) 12-1 (11-9) Held up in rear on outside, pushed along 8th, weakened 10th, 4th of 6, well behind Intac (11-9) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in Jul.
Venir Rouge 10-1 (11-6) In rear, headway after 3 out, ridden and no impression from next, 5th of 17, 21l behind Swincombe Rock (11-3) at Kempton 2m 5f nov hcp 0-115 (4) gd in Apr.
Magical Legend 9-4fav (10-5) In touch, tracked leading pair from 10th, went 2nd briefly 3 out, 3rd and weakened before next, 3rd of 9, 17l behind Jimbatai (11-2) at Bangor 2m 4f nov chs (4) sft in Jul.