mid-division, ridden and outpaced after 9th, never near leaders
in rear, lost touch 6th, never dangerous
tracked clear leader and soon clear of rest, headway and close up approaching 3 out, ridden to lead last, kept on flat
behind, outpaced 9th, 6th and beaten when blundered and jumped right from 4 out, weakened next
chased clear pair, lost place 6th, behind from 9th
not fluent 1st, mid-division, chased clear pair 6th, one pace when mistake and lost 3rd 4 out, no danger after
behind, headway after 9th, went 3rd 4 out, kept on same pace under pressure from next, no impression with front pair
raced keenly, led and soon clear, hung left approaching 5th, reduced advantage approaching 3 out, ridden and headed last, kept on flat
Tiptoeaway came to hand early last season and won over this trip at Ayr in the spring. Tara Royal and Riguez Dancer would both have claims on their best form but both rather lost their way towards the end of last season while L'Eldorado and Temple Lord usually find at least one too good. Sports Line has only won once over fences and that was in 2009 but Cool Touch should have more to offer over the larger obstacles and is worth noting if attracting support after a lengthy absence. QUITE THE MAN was beaten when falling three out in a Listed handicap at Market Rasen last month but that 2m7f trip will have stretched his stamina. Normally a safe jumper, he can recapture the winning thread over his best distance.
Tara Royal 9-4fav (11-12) Chased leaders, under pressure 4 out, soon lost place, behind when pulled up last, in a race won by Nobunaga (10-5) at Stratford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Jun, 6 ran.
Riguez Dancer 6-1 (11-5) Held up in rear, niggled along before 5th, ridden after next, jumped slowly 9th, weakened approaching 4 out, tailed off, 4th of 6, 43l behind Sotovik (9-11) at Perth 2m 4f hcp chs 0-145 (2) sft in Apr.
Tiptoeaway (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) With leader, led from 4th, ridden after last, kept on well, won at Ayr 2m nov ltd hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Apr beating Red Tanber (10-12) by 3l, 5 ran.
Quite The Man (IRE) 9-1 (10-7) Held up mid-division, weakeniing and well held when fell 3 out, in a race won by The Disengager (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 6f listed hcp chs (1) gd in Sep, 16 ran.
Sports Line (IRE) 7-1 (10-13) Towards rear, ridden in 6th before 2 out, no impression in moderate 5th entering straight, 5th of 7, 41l behind Fosters Cross (11-7) at Galway 2m 1f hcp chs sft in Sep.
L'Eldorado (FR) 16-1 (11-12) Held up in touch, led before 9th, headed before 2 out, no chance with winner, no extra and lost 2nd place towards finish, 3rd of 8, 6l behind Ballyoliver (10-11) at Market Rasen 2m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Apr.
Temple Lord (FR) 9-2 (11-11) Chased leading pair, went 2nd 4 out, ridden and every chance 2 out, lost 2nd soon after, one pace and no impression, 3rd of 8, 9l behind Sizing Santiago (11-2) at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp chs 0-125 (3) gd in Sep.
Cool Touch (IRE) 5-2 (11-9) Led, raced very freely, clear 2nd, not fluent 5th, reduced advantage from 8th, ridden after last, headed on bend turning for home, no extra, 2nd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Dunowen Point (11-9) at Cartmel 2m 1f beg chs (5) gf in Jul '11.
