chased leader, led and went left 3rd, clear next until after 8th, joined 3 out, ridden approaching last, headed run-in, no extra
led until 3rd, chased leader who went clear next, jumped slowly 5th, closer after 8th, upsides 3 out, challenged last, ridden to lead run-in, headed close home
raced keenly, chased leading trio, mistake 3rd, outpaced after 8th, no chance after
chased leaders until lost place 4th, behind 7th, went remote 4th run-in
held up last, blundered 7th, never on terms
in touch, closer tracking leaders 4th, 3rd before 8th, pushed along before 4 out, stayed on under pressure run-in, led towards finish
DARK INVADER came good last month with two strong efforts - a narrow defeat at this venue and a Ffos Las success when toughing it out to outpoint One For Billy in the closing stages. The latter boosted the form with a Stratford success over the weekend and the Williams inmate remains feasibly treated off a 5lb higher mark. Golden Vision possibly pulled his chance away last time and the lightly-raced French import rates the danger as Dan Skelton seems sure to eke out further improvement. Comanche Chieftain was a long way behind the selection at Ffos Las and is surely better than that. It is interesting that Neil King chooses to reoppose here and he is respected on the best of his form. There is little between the remaining three.
Golden Vision (FR) 4-1 (11-11) Towards rear, soon in touch, tracked leader after 3rd, led after 5th, headed before last, weakened run-in, 4th of 7, 8 1/4l behind Oliver's Gold (11-12) at Southwell 2m hcp (3) gd in May.
Comanche Chieftain (CAN) 8-1 (12-1) Led until 5th, lost place after 9th, weakened before 4 out, mistake and hampered 3 out, mistake 2 out, 6th of 7, dist behind Dark Invader (10-7) at Ffos Las 2m hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Little Stevie 7-2 (11-9) Chased leaders, every chance 2 out, 4th and beaten last, one pace, no extra final 100 yards, 4th of 6, 9 1/4l behind Honourable Gent (11-12) at Perth 2m hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Take A Break (FR) 11-2 (11-12) Mid-division, slow 4th, outpaced halfway, rallied 4 out, chased leaders 2 out, never a threat, 3rd of 10, 6 1/4l behind Alys Rock (10-12) at Worcester 2m hcp (4) gd in Jun.
King Muro 9-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders, ridden before 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 8, 26 1/4l behind Captain Felix (12-0) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Dark Invader (FR) 6-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, headway 7th, went 3rd 4 out, led briefly before last, strong challenged after, led again towards finish, won at Ffos Las 2m hcp (4) gd in Jun beating One For Billy (11-11) by 1/2l, 7 ran.