always behind, weakened from 5 out
held up mid-division, ridden 3 out, kept on to take 3rd after last, no impression
chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before last
in touch, mistake 6th, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
fell 1st
held up, headway approaching 3 out, led on bits approaching last, kept on well
chased leaders, weakened 2 out
held up in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, mistake last, lost 3rd flat
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
led, ridden approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra towards finish
At first glance I was consoling myself over John Parrott's demise however on closer inspection this is the John Parrett Memorial Trophy and the vote goes to the progressive TOM'S TOYBOX ahead of Tramantano, Some Touch, Medicinal and Ela Re. The long list of dangers hints at the complexity of this handicap puzzle, however nothing comes here in better form than the selection. Given three months off since his latest Perth win, the son of Classic Cliche was picked up by new trainer Chris Grant for just over 14,000 guineas at the Doncaster sales in May. Considering that he has won almost that much since, it looks a shrewd move by 'Rambo'. If it transpires that this new mark of 128 is beyond him, it may be worth siding with Tramantano. His form over fences stands up well and it is very unlikely that there is another Oumeyade in this line-up. Some Touch may have found the hill against him at Carlisle last time after racing prominently, however it must be said that his best form has been over longer or on more testing tracks than this. Medicinal has his first start for Paul Nicholls today and the market should provide some clues, whilst Ela Re and Coach Lane were both winners when last seen. Beggars Cap and Brave Villa both have nice racing weights, however it's time to open Tom's Toybox and hope that there's another win inside.
Ela Re 9-1 (11-3) Kept away from others at start, joined leader 2nd, led after 4th, clear when hit 3 out, stayed on gamely flat, won at Cheltenham 2m cnd hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Apr beating Magic Sky (11-6) by 2l, 9 ran.
Medicinal (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Soon moderate 5th, closer order 3 out and soon squeezed for room briefly, no impression under pressure straight, kept on without threatening into 3rd run-in, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Eye Candy (11-1) at Punchestown 2m chs gf in May.
Coach Lane 7-1 (11-8) Held up in touch, led approaching 3 out, hard pressed flat, all out, won at Towcester 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in May beating Go Solo (11-12) by a hd, 11 ran.
Edmo Yewkay (IRE) 22-1 (11-6) In touch, chased leaders approaching 9th, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened, 4th of 9, 24l behind Three Mirrors (11-12) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp chs (2) gs in Apr.
Torrid Kentavr (USA) 14-1 (10-4) Mid-division, 7th 5 out, 5th briefly next, soon weakened, 11th of 15, 28l behind Mudslinger (10-2) at Bellewstown 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-130 gd in Aug.
Tom's Toybox 3-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, led 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on, won at Perth 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd in Jul beating Barney (10-3) by 5l, 5 ran.
Tramantano 11-4 (10-12) Held up in touch, hit 6th, steady headway to chase winner 8th, driven and well held before 2 out, 2nd of 6, 11l behind Oumeyade (11-8) at Kempton 2m hcp chs (2) gd.
Some Touch (IRE) 9-2jt-fav (11-9) Led until not fluent 1st, remained close up, led again 4 out, headed last, kept on, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Glingerbank (10-12) at Carlisle 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs.
Ormello (FR) 10-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden next, kept on same pace, no impression, 5th of 13, 12l behind Flemish Invader (11-11) at Perth 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Sept.
Beggars Cap (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Hit 1st, in touch, lost place 4 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by Coach Lane (11-11) at Perth 2m hcp chs 0-125 (3) gs in Apr, 12 ran.
Brave Villa (FR) 11-4 (10-13) Led, soon well clear, headed approaching 3 out, 2 lengths down but rallying when fell at the last in race won by Coach Lane (11-5) at Wincanton 2m hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft in Mar, 4 ran.
