tracked winner, mistake 2nd, lost place 3 out (usual 6 out), soon behind, weakened after last (usual 4 out), tailed off
made all, driven clear over 1f out, ridden out final furlong, stayed on well (all fences in home straight omitted, low sun)
tracked leaders, went 2nd 3 out (usual 6 out), ridden and lost place bypassing omitted 3 out, no chance with front trio final 2f
tracked leaders, went 2nd bypassing omitted 3 out, kept on same pace, ridden and no impression with winner from over 1f out
held up in rear, headway last (usual 4 out), ridden to chase leaders bypassing omitted 3 out, kept on same pace, no impression in 3rd from over 1f out
With his front-running style sure to suit in this small field that lacks many pace angles, LITTLE POP may provide the answer here. Nigel Twiston-Davies' charge has been running well over hurdles at late but also holds solid form over the larger obstacles, and with ground to suit he can hit the front early and stay there, given few of these are likely to challenge him for the lead. The veteran Lord Ben has shown no signs of his old age in his recent performances and is preferred next, ahead of Indian Voyage who should find this a more suitable assignment.
Indian Voyage (IRE) 8-1 (10-13) Held up mid-division, ridden before 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 6th of 8, 30 1/2l behind Tangolan (11-8) at Perth 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Little Pop 10-1 (11-4) With leader, took keen hold, challenged 3 out, ridden before last, no extra run-in, 3rd of 10, 5 1/4l behind Hallings Comet (10-11) at Worcester 2m hcp (4) gd in Jul.
Lord Ben (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, left disputing 2nd at 3rd, led narrowly after 7th, headed 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, no impression with front pair flat, 3rd of 6, 5 1/2l behind Lake Chapala (11-4) at Fontwell 2m 1f hcp (4) gf in May.
Muwalla 5-2 (11-3) Held up in touch, headway after 4 out, chased front pair after next, kept on under pressure flat, just failed for 2nd, no impression with winner, 3rd of 6, 8l behind Martiloo (10-11) at Perth 2m hcp (4) gs in Aug.
Gin And Tonic 16-1 (11-9) Held up in rear, headway 6th, not fluent 3 out, lost place before next, weakened, 4th of 8, 17 1/2l behind Shrubland (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m hcp (5) gs in Jul.
