with leader, led before 2nd, headed next, mostly chased winner after, no impression 2 out
led until before 2nd, led again next, not fluent 9th or 10th, clear 2 out
held up in rear, not fluent 6th, went 3rd 10th, 2nd 3 out until 2 out, weakened
not always fluent, chased leaders, struggling 9th, behind when pulled up before next
held up, jumped right 1st, closed 6th, outpaced 10th, weakened 4 out
Ever So Much has won three times this year but is beginning to look back in the handicapper’s grip. Brave Spartacus is not the force of old while Gris De Pron is getting no closer, despite a tumbling mark. Nicolas Chauvin won off a 3lb higher mark at Wetherby around this time last year but efforts this year have left much to be desired. OAK VINTAGE (NAP) seeks a fourth course victory and goes well fresh so an absence since May is not a concern – Ann Hamilton’s charge should take all the beating.
Brave Spartacus (IRE) 20-1 (11-3) Led to after 6th, lost place before next, weakened and pulled up before 3 out (usual 4 out), at Cartmel 2m 5f hcp (3) sft in Aug.
Oak Vintage (IRE) 5-2fav (10-2) Led, headed after 2nd, tracked leader, reminders before 4 out, weakened before last, last of 6, 25 1/4l behind William Of Orange (10-13) at Kelso 2m hcp (3) gd in May.
Nicolas Chauvin (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) Always off the pace disputing 3rd until jumped left 4 out, tailed off, last of 4, 33l behind Raise A Spark (11-0) at Cartmel 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Gris De Pron (FR) 20-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders on inside, led 5th until 8th, chased leader until pushed along before 2 out where mistake, no chance with 1st 2, 3rd of 7, 19 1/2l behind Peppay Le Pugh (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m hcp (4) gd in Sep.
Ever So Much (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, outpaced by front pair after last (usual 3 out), never on terms, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 7, 8l behind Trongate (11-12) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp (4) gf in Sep.
