took keen hold, led before 2nd, not fluent 3rd, reduced lead after 6th, pressed from 3 out, headed narrowly flat, rallied to lead again on nod post
not fluent, led until before 2nd, soon last, behind 4th, closed after 6th, ridden and struggling after 8th, weakened before 4 out
chased leader, hit 6th, soon closed, challenged 3 out, soon driven, led narrowly flat, just lost out on nod post
Nonrunner
EASILY PLEASED surely deserves a change of luck. He's still 9lb higher than for his one and only victory so far over fences but that came over this course and distance and he'll have his optimum conditions today. Third Act may be the danger as he was second at Fontwell a month ago and still has the potential to be better than he's shown so far. Red Skipper's victory over track and trip three weeks ago came in a lower grade and he's 7lb higher while Agapanthus' form figures are a little flattering as he does a lot of his racing in Jersey.
Easily Pleased (IRE) 4-1fav (10-13) Held up in rear, headway when reached for 2 out, 2nd last, stayed on, no impression on winner, 2nd of 11, 9l behind Antony (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gd in Jun.
Third Act (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Held up, headway 9th, mistake 2 out (normal 3 out), stayed on and went 2nd flat, no impression on winner, 2nd of 5, 5l behind Minella Present (10-12) at Fontwell 2m 1f nov chs (4) gs in Jun.
Red Skipper (IRE) 25-1 (11-12) Took keen hold, tracked leader until 5th and again from 8th, led 3 out, clear when mistake 2 out, ridden out, won at Newton Abbot 2m nov hcp chs 0-100 (5) gd in Jun beating Lord Lir (10-10) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran.
Agapanthus (GER) (11-10) 2nd of 3, 5l behind Rossetti (11-6) at Les Landes(JER) 2m 1f hcp hdl gf in Jun.
