mid-division, ridden last kept on same pace
tracked leaders, led before 2 out, ridden before last, just held on close home
tracked leader, left in lead 5th, headed before 2 out, one pace
in rear, headway 4 out, ridden to challenge after last, just held close home
held up in touch, hampered 5th, ridden before last, one pace
led, fell 5th
held up in touch, weakening when mistake 2 out
Softer ground won't faze the in-form Kilfinichen Bay but he only beat Listen And Learn by a length-and-a-quarter at Ffos Las in June and is 11lb worse off, not taking into account Patrick Cowley's claim. Henri Parry Morgan had On The Bridge behind when second at Warwick in May but has shot up the weights since. Princeton Royale has improved markedly since stepping up in trip and took a further step up the ladder when winning at Uttoxeter earlier this month but we'll take a chance on the unexposed MILESTONE. He still looked green when winning at Ffos Las in June but is clearly a stayer and could be well treated on his handicap debut.
On The Bridge (IRE) 7-1 (10-9) Held up in last pair on inside, struggling 6th, never dangerous, 8th of 11, 22l behind Mister Fizz (11-0) at Newton Abbot 2m 6f hcp (2) gs in Aug.
Kilfinichen Bay (IRE) 5-1fav (11-1) Tracked leaders, headway after 2 out, led last, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Cartmel 2m 6f hcp (3) gd in Jul beating Jalingo (11-1) by 2 1/4l, 16 ran.
Henri Parry Morgan 9-4fav (10-4) In touch, reminder after 2nd (normal 3rd), led 3rd (normal 7th), not fluent and headed next, led again omitted 3 out, jumped left last, stayed on well, won at Southwell 3m hcp (3) gd in Jun beating Crack Away Jack (11-7) by 7l, 8 ran.
Princeton Royale (IRE) 4-1fav (11-7) Held up towards rear, headway after 9th, challenged 3 out, led before last, stayed on well, won at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (4) gd in Sep beating Mighty Leader (10-6) by 2 3/4l, 10 ran.
Listen And Learn (IRE) 8-1 (11-8) In touch on outside, led last (usual 4 out), headed 4f out, kept on under pressure and every chance home straight, held inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Kilfinichen Bay (11-6) at Ffos Las 3m hcp (3) gf in Jun.
Cannon Fodder 25-1 (10-1) Tracked leaders, driven 3 out, soon lost place, no impression from 2 out, took modest 4th flat, 4th of 10, 17 1/4l behind Aqalim (11-2) at Cheltenham 3m hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Milestone (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Mid-division, tracked leaders 6th, challenged when mistake 2 out, led when not fluent last, ridden and kept on flat, won at Ffos Las 3m (4) gf in Jun beating Troyan (10-12) by 2l, 9 ran.
