tracked leader, challenged 2 out, led flat, driven out
led, ridden and headed flat, no extra
tracked leaders, weakened 2 out
soon behind, reminders 5th, tailed off
Ambrose Princess and Russian War were both due to run on Wednesday so it remains to be seen whether they're allowed to take their chance and how they get on. Gordon Elliot has another strong candidate in THE SHEPHERD and he's taken to get the better of Billie Magern. The latter has reeled off a hat-trick in novice company this summer and is clearly a progressive individual but he could struggle to concede weight to some useful rivals. Preference is for the Irish raider who gained the first success of his career when running on well to land the spoils at Downpatrick and The Shepherd is fancied to follow up. Talkin' Tough appears a better performer on top of the ground and will relish these conditions so he shouldn't be underestimated and there's little to choose between him and the selection at the weights. Playing The Field looks the most interesting of the remainder having taken second in both starts in Irish points but those with Rules experience set a fair standard and The Shepherd is taken to prevail.
Billie Magern 13-8 (11-3) In touch, went 2nd 9th, led 3 out, drew clear 2 out, won at Stratford 2m 6f nh nov hdl (3) gf in Aug beating Mumbles Pier (10-9) by 8l, 7 ran.
Talkin' Tough (IRE) 7-1 (11-10) Settled 5th, progress after halfway, 2nd 5 out, led next, joined briefly after 3 out, ridden to regain lead next, stayed on well from last, won at Kilbeggan 3m nov hdl gf in Jun beating Present Gem (11-5) by 3/4l, 14 ran.
The Shepherd (IRE) 3-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, close 4th 4 out, led before 2 out, soon ridden, narrow lead last, kept on well run-in, won at Downpatrick 2m 2f mdn hdl gd in Aug beating Chasse Spleen (11-12) by 5l, 15 ran.
Ashtonmore 100-1 (11-0) Always behind, tailed off from 4 out, 5th of 10, well behind Dunaskin (11-0) at Cartmel 2m 6f mdn hdl (5) sft in Aug.
Ambrose Princess (IRE) 20-1 (9-13) Chased leaders, weakened into about 7th and no chance when hampered 2 out, 7th of 17, 31l behind Raslan (10-8) at Newton Abbot 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gf in Aug.
Russian War (IRE) 3-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, closed 4 out, 3rd and every chance when ran out 2 out, in a race won by Failte Go Deo (11-4) at Downpatrick 2m 5f mdn hdl gd in May, 15 ran.
Playing The Field (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Alw pr, ld 3out, hdd aftr 2out, not qckn with wnr but kow, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Chosen Native (11-7) at Loughbrickland 3m ire ptp in Mar.
