tracked leader, led 6th, ridden and weakened before 2 out
led until 6th, tracked leader, led approaching 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, soon one pace
tracked leaders, hit 8th, ridden after 3 out, stayed on to chase winner last, always held
mid-division, headway 3 out, led 2 out, ran on well
jumped left 5th, soon lost touch, pulled up before 7th
held up, headway 7th, ridden when hampered on bottom bend, soon beaten
held up, short lived effort after 3 out
mid-division, blundered badly 8th, soon ridden, one pace when 2 out
Nonrunner
RUNSHAN can continue his rich vein of form; Urban Tiger and Rooster's Reunion may emerge as his nearest pursuers. The selection does have to defy a mark that's almost a stone higher than for his last success but it's difficult to quibble with the assessor's assessment given the authority of the display. He has returned from a summer break a rejuvenated performer and can run this opposition into the ground. Urban Tiger is competitive at the right level and he should have a say in the outcome of this contest if his jumping holds up but the handicapper has his measure. King Diamond is another with place claims and Classic Role is unexposed in this sphere and thus perhaps capable of better than we've seen. Rooster's Reunion has been struggling to recapture his best form but is well treated if and when doing so and therefore merits inclusion on the short-list but Runshan is the likeliest winner.
Cheeky Lad 16-1 (10-0) Always behind, 9th of 11, 36l behind Jazz Dance (11-4) at Southwell 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf in Sept.
Pauntley Gofa 50-1 (10-12) Led, ridden after 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, one pace, 5th of 16, 5l behind Picot de Say (10-10) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs.
Urban Tiger (GER) 16-1 (9-11) Mid-division on outside when mistake and unseated rider at the 4th in race won by Jazz Dance (11-4) at Southwell 2m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gf in Sept, 11 ran.
Classic Role 40-1 (11-4) Mid-division, headway after 4 out, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 11, 20l behind Ohana (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 2f beg chs (4) gf in Sept.
Rooster's Reunion (IRE) 20-1 (11-6) Held up, ridden and headway after 4 out, weakened next, no chance when fell at the last in race won by Star of Germany (11-4) at N Abbot 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Aug, 10 ran.
Nawow 40-1 (10-13) Mid-division, ridden after 7th, weakened 3 out, 11th of 15, 39l behind Sunnyhillboy (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs.
Zorro De La Vega (FR) 20-1 (11-2) Held up, not fluent 4th, chased leaders after 3 out, soon beaten, 5th of 16, 17l behind Nazdaq (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Sept.
Good Old Days (IRE) 8-1 (10-2) Held up, headway approaching 4 out, chasing leaders when saddle slipped approaching 3 out, not recover, 4th of 8, 21l behind Roussea (10-4) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gf in Sept.
Runshan (IRE) 9-4fav (11-9) Chased leaders, led 4 out, clear 2 out, eased flat, won at Uttoxeter 2m 5f cnd hcp chs (5) sft beating Teenando (10-3) by 12l, 9 ran.
King Diamond (FR) 14-1 (10-7) Led to 2nd, tracked leader, led again 7th, ridden and headed flat when left in lead again 3 out, kept on, no extra, 3rd of 12, 5l behind Caliban (11-3) at Market Rasen 2m 2f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Sept.
