led, blundered 2nd, headed 8th, led 10th to 2 out, soon no chance with front pair, lost 3rd, run-in
held up, blundered 4th, smooth headway to track leaders 9th, chased leader after 3 out, challenging and going well next, upsides and mistake last, held run-in
held up in rear, not fluent 7th, blundered badly 10th and nearly unseated rider, not recover, pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, challenging when mistake 4 out, renewed effort to lead narrowly 2 out, driven out
mistake and reminder 1st, chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on under pressure to take 3rd, run-in
tracked leader, led 8th to 10th, weakened 3 out
Spuradich is hard to oppose here with Missyl and Stern rating the main dangers. The selection won well last time out when beating Stoneyford Ben and he looks sure to appreciate this longer trip. He also has conditions that suit and he looks the one to be on. Missyl rates the main danger on his latest second behind Opportunity Knocks but he often finds less than expected off the bridle and at likely odds he looks worth taking on. Stern is another that could go well as he won with plenty in hand when last seen and the fact that his shrewd connections pitched him straight into handicap company on his chasing debut looks interesting, so he should be noted in the market. Acertack loves this course and could go well at a price but his best form is over a longer trip and with this in mind for the winner we return to the progressive Spuradich.
Soeur Fontenail (FR) 5-1jt-fav (11-10) Raced wide, led to 5th, chased leader until weakened before 3 out, 9th of 13, well behind Manawanui (11-2) at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Apr.
Stern (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, smooth headway 8th, led going well 2 out, clear flat, won at Plumpton 2m 5f nov hdl (E) gd in Oct '05 beating Helm (10-12) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Spuradich (IRE) 13-2 (11-6) Held up rear, driven from 8th, ridden and headway after 3 out, ridden to lead approaching last, challenged flat, held on, won at Hereford 2m nov chs (4) gf beating Stoneyford Ben (11-6) by a hd, 9 ran.
Master T (USA) 12-1 (11-8) Held up in rear, lost touch 7th, tailed off, last of 5, well behind Il Penseroso (10-12) at N Abbot 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Aug.
Missyl (FR) 17-2 (11-12) Chased leaders, led soon after 3 out, joined when mistake last, headed and no extra flat, 2nd of 12, 1 1/2l behind Opportunity Knocks (9-11) at Plumpton 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-95 (5) gd.
Acertack (IRE) 33-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, mistake 11th, weakened 14th, no chance when hampered 3 out, tailed off, 6th of 11, well behind Red Echo (10-4) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in Jun.
