prominent, led 5th, ridden and headed 3 out, every chance 2 out, stayed on but not pace of winner
led until jumped left and headed after 5th, soon ridden, weakened 3 out
chased leader and pulled hard, led approaching 3 out, soon ridden, edged left last, ran on
held up towasrds rear, headway 3rd, ridden and weakened 3 out
held up in mid-division, headway after 5th, ridden 3 out, challenged and every chance 2 out, no extra flat
Per Amore has been making hay over fences this summer and is interesting on this return to the smaller obstacles, while stablemate Lord Ville, although a winner of a conditional jockeys race back in April, is nothing special, so a chance is taken with Waterspray, who is ideally suited by the current fast ground. John Spearing's gelding has finished first, third and fourth on the only occasion's he has encountered fast ground, and with the likelihood of better to come, looks the one to be with. He holds Lord Ville on their running at Newton Abbot earlier this month and should turn around the form with Top Trees on 5lbs better terms for a neck beating. The latter has since scored in decent style on the flat and clearly comes here in good form. However, his overall profile leaves something to be desired and it isn't difficult to look beyond him. Per Amore will have conditions to suit, but it remains to be seen whether his recent chasing exploits have blunted his speed, while Bohill Lad will be suited by this drop in class, having found the company a little hot of late. Three times a winner here, he is one to keep on the right side, but Epicure, despite plunging in the handicap, looks to have plenty to prove now after some dismal efforts of late. So, with no doubts about his well-being or ability to handle fast ground, Waterspray gets the vote.
