prominent, chased leader 3rd, mistake 5th, lost 2nd 7th, weakened after next, left poor 3rd when hampered 2 out
in touch, chased leader 7th, close 2nd when blundered and unseated rider 4 out
led to 2nd, weakened 4th, blundered next, jumped right 6th, soon pulled up
mid-division, behind from 4th
in touch, behind from 6th, tailed off
towards rear, no chance from 6th, tailed off
held up towards rear, went poor 3rd when hampered and fell 2 out
led 2nd, pressed 3 out, headed flat, one pace
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
held up, headway 4th, left close 2nd 4 out, shaken up to lead flat, readily
Neither Leamington Lad nor Seven Is My Number have been horses to rely on so it may be worth taking a chance with BROOM BATTALION even though he's less talented. The Irish raider wears cheekpieces for his first foray to Albion's shores and they may help to bring about a little improvement. He disappointed at Tramore last month but has run some sound races over fences, including for today's jockey, and his experience is in his favour. Leamington Lad is often supported and clearly has ability but he hasn't always delivered as much as promised on the track itself. He was rated 131 over hurdles when last seen but it remains to be seen how he takes to chasing. Seven Is My Number looked a shade unfortunate not to land a gamble in the Imperial Cup but he failed to run to anywhere near that level in three subsequent starts. He's another that clearly hasn't delivered his full potential on the track and he's another that may be best watched on his chase bow. Mam Ratagan has place claims but this race revolves around Leamington Lad and Seven Is My Number who could outclass this opposition. There have to be doubts about them doing so though and Broom Battalion may be able to sweep them aside.
Ballabrook (IRE) 20-1 (11-0) Led until 3 out, soon weakened, 4th of 11, 39l behind Walamo (11-0) at Bangor 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Aug.
Broom Battalion (IRE) 10-3fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, moderate 5th 3 out, soon no impression, kept on same pace under pressure, 4th of 15, 29l behind Kalellshan (11-12) at Tramore 2m beg chs gf in Aug.
Emperor Titus (IRE) 20-1 (10-9) Held up in touch, pulled up quickly approaching 5 out, in a race won by Banna Beach (10-2) at Tramore 2m hcp chs 0-109 gf in May, 16 ran.
High Bray (GER) 100-1 (10-7) Keen early, always behind, tailed off, last of 14, well behind Lucky Dancer (10-13) at Worcester 2m mdn hdl (5) gf in Aug.
Im Alone Again (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Towards rear for most, never a factor, 11th of 18, well behind Peak Raider (11-6) at Clonmel 2m hcp hdl hvy in Oct.
Leamington Lad (IRE) 28-1 (11-2) Mid-division, weakened 3 out, 18th of 24, 50l behind Joe Jo Star (11-0) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl G3 (1) gd in May.
Magic Rush 16-1 (11-6) Held up in last pair, raced keenly, always behind, 12th of 14, 43l behind Weather Front (11-11) at Huntingdon 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Aug.
Mam Ratagan 2-1 (11-0) Chased clear leader to 7th, stayed in 3rd until weakened 3 out, 4th of 5, 32l behind Predateur (10-13) at Newton Abbot 2m noc chs (4) gs in Aug.
Midnight Spirit 20-1 (11-6) Prominent, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 11th of 13, well behind Benefit Game (11-9) at Worcester 2m hcp hdl 0-85 (5) sft in Jul.
Seven Is My Number (IRE) 9-1 (10-13) Always behind, 13th of 15, well behind Sangfroid (10-3) at Sandown 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gd in Apr.
Yawl Springs (IRE) 33-1 (11-9) Always towards rear, pulled up 2 out, in a race won by Whinstone Boy (11-12) at Cork 2m beg chs sft in Apr, 18 ran.
