chased leader until after 2nd, outpaced 3 out, kept on approaching last, soon went 3rd, not trouble winner
led until 4th, led before next, soon headed, no impression on winner and lost 2nd before not fluent last, soon 4th and no extra
raced keenly, tracked leaders, led 4th, hung right on paddock bend soon after and headed, led again 5th, kicked clear 2 out, stayed on
held up in mid-division, behind 3 out, tailed off
towards rear, mistake 4th and when well beaten 3 out, tailed off
mid-division, behind 3 out, tailed off
chased leaders until after 2nd, mid-division, went 3rd 3 out, went 2nd and stayed on before last, not trouble winner
This appears to rest between the three previous winners. There is no obvious standout but CHANCE A TUNE could well go off third favourite here and represent a touch of value. He defied a 16-month absence to score at Fontwell and was far from disgraced over 2m4f in handicap company latest. The return to 2m and the novice ranks should suit and he is narrowly preferred to Byzantine Empire who ran into a decent summer handicapper in Celestial Force last time. Liam Harrison's 5lb claim is an added bonus and he's dangerous. Olympic Conqueror, reliable and tough, has every chance in an intriguing three-cornered battle on paper.
Chance A Tune (FR) 3-1 (11-11) Prominent until 2nd, chased leaders, closed 6th, jumped left and not fluent 2 out, no extra in 4th last, 4th of 6, 9 1/2l behind Enfin Phil (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp (4) gd in May.
Olympic Conqueror (IRE) 6-5fav (10-12) Led, not fluent 2nd, jumped right next, headed 4th, led after next, not fluent 5th, ridden after 3 out, headed last, led again flat, held on, won at Uttoxeter 2m (4) gd in Jun beating Ambassador (11-0) by hd, 5 ran.
Byzantine Empire 2-1 (11-0) Held up in 3rd, pushed along after 3 out, went 2nd after next, stayed on same pace, no chance with winner, 2nd of 3, 3 1/4l behind Celestial Force (11-11) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f hcp (3) gs in Jun.
Deerfoot 250-1 (11-4) Chased leaders, went 2nd from 2nd until 4th, lost place before 2 out, well held when mistake and unseated rider last, at Perth 2m mdn (4) gd in Jun.
Get 'em In (IRE) Getaway gelding out of Swap Shop.
Serious Mood (IRE) 6-5fav (12-0) In tch til wknd aft 12; pu aft 14, at Alnwick 3m sft in Dec.
Twice The Mustard 300-1 (10-12) Chased leaders on outside, lost place 3rd, behind 3 out, tailed off, 7th of 9, dist behind Master Artist (11-4) at Southwell 2m (4) gd in Jun.
Splinter 11-1 (10-7) Led, ridden 3 out, headed when jinked before 2 out, rider lost irons, weakened, 4th of 5, 20 1/4l behind Peaked Too Soon (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m (4) gd in Jun.
