led, blundered badly and unseated rider 4 out
keen early, chased leader until 7th, well in touch when blundered and hampered 4 out, weakened before 2 out
chased leaders on inside, not fluent 8th, lost some ground after 9th, in touch in 4th when left in lead 4 out, clear 2 out, stayed on
not always fluent, soon in rear, mistake 4 out, went 2nd 3 out, no impression on winner 2 out
chased leaders, lost place 3rd, nor fluent 4th, closed before 6th, went 2nd 7th, mistake, hampered and rider lost iron briefly 4 out, not recover
Tamaris was well beaten returning from a break at Worcester and has had wind surgery since. King Of The Story won over a shorter trip here last month and has been raised 5lb but is still respected, though IMPERIAL ALEX has more scope. He failed to win in six starts between the flags but was in good form over hurdles in the spring and should make a chaser. Gambie Tiep beat two rivals over course and distance last time but has gone up 6lb while no excuses were forthcoming for Honneur De Sivola’s poor showing at Worcester last time.
Gambie Tiep (FR) 5-4fav (11-0) Disputed lead, led outright 11th where not fluent, not fluent 12th where briefly pressed for lead, travelling best before 3 out where 2 lengths clear, extended advantage 2 out, soon ridden, drew further clear approaching last, pushed out run-in, won at Fontwell 2m 3f hcp (5) gs in Sep beating Duke Of Luckley (11-12) by 10l, 3 ran.
Imperial Alex (IRE) 7-4fav (11-10) Close up, every chance from 2 out, ridden to lead towards finish, headed final strides, 2nd of 8, shd behind Coniston Clouds (12-0) at Carlisle 2m 3f hcp (5) sft in Mar.
Tamaris (IRE) 6-1 (11-8) Held up in behind leaders, ridden along out wide before 4 out, soon lost position, weakened from 2 out, 6th of 12, 27 3/4l behind Arbennig (11-0) at Worcester 2m hcp (5) gd in Aug.
Honneur De Sivola (FR) 7-1 (11-9) Led until 1st, prominent, mistake 6th, soon in rear, behind when pulled up before 4 out, at Worcester 2m hcp (5) gs in Sep.
King Of The Story (IRE) 18-1 (10-2) Chased leaders, raced keenly, closed 12th, led 3 out, clear last, easily, won at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp (5) gd in Aug beating Janeslittlevoice (10-2) by 9 1/2l, 6 ran.
