tracked leaders, went 2nd 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on, no chance with winner
made all, clear 2 out, driven approaching last, stayed on easily
chased leader, jumped slowly 2nd, reminders 5th, lost place next, soon tailed off
held up in rear, reminders 6th, ridden and outpaced 3 out, never on terms
Gloucestershire trainer John O'Shea had five entered in this but relies on Val De Fleurie, and he is taken to make the long journey north pay dividends. A winner on the flat at up to 12-furlongs, there is every reason to believe this step up in trip will bring about some improvement and with no worries about ground of fitness, he looks the one to beat. Dual course winner San Piere was certainly on the upgrade when last seen in the Spring, but absent since May, not only does he have to prove his fitness, he also has to prove he handles ground this quick. In Extremis II hasn't cut much ice over fences this year, and he doesn't look particularly well treated on this return to the smaller obstacles, while Al Mabrook is no better than a plater, so Val De Fleurie, who turned in a solid effort on the flat recently is taken to make a winning return to timber topping.
