tracked leaders, chased winner from 2 out, well held when blundered last, kept on to hold 2nd run-in
in rear, blundered 3rd, under pressure 6th, soon struggling, tailed off when pulled up before last
led and soon clear, ridden and headed before 2 out, weakened quickly
took keen hold, mostly tracked clear leader, closed going well to lead before 2 out, quickened clear before last, very easily
held up in touch, hit 6th, kept on under pressure approaching last, one pace run-in
held up in rear, hit 2nd, kept on under pressure from 2 out, never going pace to trouble leaders
dropped to rear after 3rd, never really going well after, late headway run-in
hit 1st, chased leaders, weakened under pressure after 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, moderate headway after 3 out, weakened soon after next
Relatively open, but Afrad is probably good enough to take this from Only Vintage, Mouseski and Pepe Galvez. The selection was not good enough in better company than this at Newbury on his reappearance, but this does not look as tough a contest, and although he has not been dropped in the weights, he should be able to cope with the 11st 4lbs he carries here and he can prove good enough. Only Vintage has to shoulder top weight and is 2lb worse off with the selection for around three lengths at Newbury, so it should again prove tight between that pair. Mouseski has been dropped 2lb for being well beaten over three miles at Chepstow last time. Conditions and trip suit better here, but he looks a little too high still to be winning. Meanwhile Pepe Galvez has A P McCoy in the plate and is a consistent and tough performer, for whom conditions also suit. If anything he too is exposed, but he may still be able to raise his game and be involved at the finish. But Afrad looks like one who can come on for his latest outing and take this prize.
Only Vintage (USA) 28-1 (11-3) Took keen hold, tracked winner until 3rd, mistake 2 out, stayed on flat, 3rd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Manorson (10-9) at Newbury 2m hcp hdl 0-145 (A) gd in Nov.
Tana River (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Led, hit 1st, headed 3rd, led again 5th to 4 out, outpaced approaching 2 out, ran on flat, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Jaunty Times (10-12) at Warwick 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) sft.
Nonantais (FR) 16-1 (10-13) Soon clear, 12 lengths up and travelling well 2 out, weakened approaching last, no extra and headed final 100yds, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Nor'nor'east (11-0) at Sandown 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-130 (C) hvy.
Afrad (FR) 6-1 (10-11) Always prominent, every chance 2 out, soon ridden, no extra final 150 yards, 5th of 10, 6l behind Manorson (10-9) at Newbury 2m hcp hdl 0-145 (A) gd in Nov.
Pepe Galvez (SWE) 5-1 (11-8) In touch, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 9, 10l behind Motorway (10-8) at Newbury 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-130 (E) gd in Nov.
Back To Ben Alder (IRE) 33-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, ridden and lost place after 6th, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Mr Cool (10-4) at Haydock 2m 7f hcp hdl (B) gs in May, 13 ran.
Mouseski 9-2co-fav (11-3) In touch, ridden 2 out, weakening when hung left approaching last, 3rd of 12, 14l behind The Gangerman (9-7) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (D) hvy.
Greenfield (IRE) 14-1 (11-3) Held up, headway after 6th, ridden and every chance when bumped approaching last, no extra flat, 3rd of 11, 3l behind Jaunty Times (10-12) at Warwick 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) sft.
Sunrise Spirit (FR) (10-3) 6th of 15, well behind Nozic (10-12) at Angers 2m 3f chs gd.
Regents Walk (IRE) 66-1 (11-7) Always behind, last of 20, well behind No Refuge (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov hdl Grd 1 (A) gd in Mar.
