made most until 15th, ridden 4 out, soon led again, headed, hit 3 out, not fluent, weakened 2 out
held up in 4th, went 3rd 4 out, led going well 3 out, easily
with leader until approaching 15th, weakened approaching 3 out
tracked leading pair, challenged 14th, led next, ridden, headed after 4 out, still every chance 3 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, no chance with winner
None of the quintet are easy to rule out, so selecting Keepitsecret is hardly the most solid recommendation on this tricky card. The selection did blitz past Earcomesannie when they met at Towcester in June and is fully expected to uphold the form this evening, though. Lord Alfred likes things his own way and would also be dangerous if he is allowed a soft lead. Fans of the last named will have to bear in mind that he is prone to running the odd stinker, though. Red Granite is worth noting in the betting, as he has plenty of experience over fences and can make this a good test in a field of this size, while Earcomesannie has been consistent since winning a couple of novice chases earlier in the summer but, as already stated, he has a bit to find with the selection, even though he is a lot better off at the weights this time around. Liverpool Echo completes the line up and, as he wins in his turn, he cannot be discounted in a race of this nature. However, Keepitsecret just edges the verdict on his improved recent form and, as such; he gets the most speculative nomination of the day.
Lord Alfred (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Led, headed approaching 8th, blundered 3 out, weakened after 2 out, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Commemoration Day (10-12) at Stratford 2m 5f nov chs (3) gd in Jul, 8 ran.
Keepitsecret (IRE) 10-3fav (11-6) Held up, mistake 1st, headway 4 out, ridden 2 out, led last, driven out, won at Towcester 3m hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in Jun beating Earcomesannie (10-11) by 6l, 13 ran.
Liverpool Echo (FR) 7-1 (10-13) In rear, headway 5th, led after 8th, ridden after 13th, headed 2 out, hard ridden flat, no extra, 4th of 10, 8l behind Annie Fleetwood (11-6) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in Jul.
Earcomesannie (IRE) 5-1 (10-9) Mid-division, ridden and outpaced 4 out, stayed on under pressure to go 3rd, last, no impression, 3rd of 10, 16l behind Wee William (11-1) at Market Rasen 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Red Granite 5-1 (11-4) Held up mid-division, chased leaders 4 out, every chance 2 out, one pace, 4th of 13, 4l behind Brave Jo (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 6f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Jun.
