chased leaders, dropped to mid-division 6th, lost place 8th, behind from next
led, headed 2 out, soon weakened and eased, tailed off
in touch on outside, reminder 3rd, switched inside and effort when mistake 2 out, soon ridden, chased leading pair when switched left approaching last, one pace and lost 3rd flat
mid-division, chased leaders 4 out, ridden and outpaced 2 out, stayed on under pressure to go 3rd flat, not reached leading pair
held up towards rear, headway on outside before 4 out, led 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on under pressure flat
tracked leader, challenged 2 out, soon ridden, kept on and every chance until one pace flat, just held on for 2nd
behind, outpaced 3 out, ridden next, never reached leaders
held up behind, outpaced 4 out, never on terms
tracked leaders on inside, ridden after 3 out, under pressure and in touch when pulled up quickly before next, dismounted
mid-division, ridden to chase leaders approaching 2 out, kept on same pace under pressure, never troubled leaders
This doesn't look a strong race, so preference is for LONG WAIT ahead of fellow last-time-out winner Strobe; Paddington Bob is a potential improver and should also take a hand in the finish. Again we'll make no apology for siding with Gordon Elliott's entry as his form claims are strong. The gelding has really improved since stepping up in trip with cheek-pieces on lately and, although a 19lb rise for winning here last time appears plenty, he really was impressive in beating Tarkani and as a four-year-old there should be more to come and he loves this ground. Strobe is worthy of consideration too despite being bumped up a stone for winning at Market Rasen; he's perhaps not straightforward but clearly has a degree of ability and on his flat performances remains well enough treated off 109. There should be more to come now he's stepped back up in trip. Similarly Paddington Bob is expected to improve for trying this trip but he essentially looked one-paced when second off this mark at Hexham and may need switching to fences if he's to score soon. Catch The Perk has never won off this mark over hurdles, admittedly from limited opportunities, and this 13-year-old will surely struggle to give the weight away. Tarkani isn't fancied to reverse form with Long Wait despite the turnaround and indeed it's Gordon Elliott's runner who gets our vote.
Catch The Perk (IRE) 20-1 (10-5) Always towards rear, 6th of 12, 28l behind Ollie Magern (11-8) at Perth 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in May.
Strobe 12-1 (10-9) Led until 1st, tracked leaders, challenged 3 out, led approaching 2 out where mistake, driven clear flat, ran on well, won at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Jun beating Marlborough Sound (10-6) by 8l, 9 ran.
Long Wait (IRE) 9-1 (10-8) Tracked leaders, went 2nd from 8th, led approaching 2 out, clear approaching last, eased towards finish, comfortably, won at Perth 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf beating Tarkani (11-5) by 14l, 16 ran.
Tarkani (IRE) 9-1 (11-5) Held up mid-division, headway to chase leaders 3 out, ridden approaching next, kept on to take 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 16, 14l behind Long Wait (10-8) at Perth 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf.
Hermoso (IRE) 13-2 (11-7) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 6th, led next, driven out, pulled up after winning post, jockey rode race a circuit early, in a race won by Long Wait (10-8) at Perth 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf, 16 ran.
Sparkling Zola 11-2 (11-1) Held up towards rear, headway and in 7th when tried to run out and unseated rider 3 out, in a race won by Long Wait (10-8) at Perth 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf, 16 ran.
Bronx Boy (IRE) 28-1 (11-8) Held up towards rear, ridden and hit 2 out, never dangerous, 8th of 16, 37l behind Can't Remember (10-11) at Perth 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf.
Follow On 20-1 (10-8) Towards rear, headway 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on, no impression, 4th of 16, 17l behind Long Wait (10-8) at Perth 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf.
Paddington Bob (IRE) 11-8fav (10-4) Led, jumped right 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, soon beaten, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Fair Spin (9-9) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Jun.
Fly Tipper 50-1 (10-12) Held up mid-division on outside, effort to chase leaders 3 out, ridden and outpaced after next, no impression approaching last, 3rd of 8, 18l behind Majestic Mayhem (11-5) at Hexham 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gf in Jun.
