Verdict
State Department quickly lost interest on his chasing bow at Uttoxeter and looks one to be wary of. Moulin De La Croix was in the process of running a big race at Newton Abbot earlier this month until getting the fourth-last all wrong. She's well handicapped and could lead these a merry dance if back on song but we're prepared to give CRANNAGHMORE BOY another chance back over fences. He probably needed the race when weakening quickly over hurdles on his reappearance at Worcester where Duke Special eventually finished fourth.
Formwatch
Moulin de La Croix 18-1 (11-7) Chased leader, led 3rd, travelling well when awkward and unseated rider 4 out, in a race won by Rusty Nail (10-0) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd, 10 ran.
Crannaghmore Boy (IRE) 9-4fav (11-7) Led, ridden and headed before 3 out, soon weakened, 8th of 16, 28l behind Fintan (10-13) at Worcester 2m 4f (5) gf.
Saigheada Beaga (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, reminders and weakened after 15th, pulled up after next, in a race won by Plum Pudding (11-2) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf, 7 ran.
State Department 12-1 (11-8) Mid-division, weakened before 5 out, 8th of 11, well behind Rogue Dancer (9-12) at Uttoxeter 3m nov hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd.
Duke Special (IRE) 66-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, went 4th before last and not fluent, no impression, 4th of 16, 18l behind Fintan (10-13) at Worcester 2m 4f (5) gf.
Sumner (IRE) 5-1 (10-8) Tracked leaders, pushed along before 7th, soon in rear and reminders, plugged on from 2 out, no impression, 5th of 6, 7l behind Apache Dawn (10-10) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp 0-100 (5) gf.
Peak Seasons (IRE) 50-1 (9-13) Mid-division, struggling 12th, no danger after, tailed off, 6th of 13, 47l behind St Gregory (11-2) at Cartmel 3m 2f hcp 0-100 (5) gd.
Finch Flyer (IRE) 6-1 (9-9) In rear and in touch, went 4th from 3 out, kept on from last, just held for 2nd place near finish, 3rd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Apache Dawn (10-10) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp 0-100 (5) gf.
Feeling Peckish (USA) 66-1 (9-7) Always behind, struggling 10th, pulled up before 13th, in a race won by Tayarat (11-7) at Southwell 3m hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd in Jun, 13 ran.
Boosha 8-1 (9-11) Held up in touch, lost place after 5 out, weakened next, 4th of 7, 29l behind Spanish Optimist (11-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd.