Verdict

A modest finale with the consistency of COTTONVALE taken to win the day. He is far from bombproof but seems sure to run his race and deliver his usual good shift. He has proved at his best on good ground or quicker and will have no stamina issues around the 3m trip. Hot Ryan, yet to win over timber but respected, put a pulled up effort well and truly behind him when a much-improved second to Theatre Act here recently and a repeat of that effort sees him go close. Game Risk is a possible off bottomweight as he now steps up dramatically in trip after showing little over 2m. The remainder are not in any sort of form and make little appeal.

Formwatch

Cottonvale (IRE) 3-1jfav (10-5) Pulled hard mid-division, headway 7th, led 9th to 3 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 8, 8 3/4l behind Doctor Look Here (10-7) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp (3) gf in Jul.

O Maonlai (IRE) 33-1 (11-10) Always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, at Stratford 2m 1f (5) gd in May.

Hot Ryan 12-1 (11-6) Prominent, led after 3 out, headed next, soon no chance with winner, kept on, 2nd of 13, 7l behind Theatre Act (10-5) at Southwell 3m hcp (5) gd in Jul.

Royals And Rebels (IRE) 11-2 (10-6) Held up in last pair, tracked leaders after 11th, outpaced in 4th after 4 out, never able to challenge, weakened from 2 out, tailed off, 4th of 6, dist behind Kings Temptation (11-4) at Fontwell 3m 2f hcp (4) gd in May.

Game Risk (IRE) 66-1 (10-12) Mid-division, took keen hold, not fluent 1st, weakened before 3 out, 9th of 10, dist behind Pacify (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m (4) gd in Jul.

Honkytonktennessee (IRE) 50-1 (10-11) Always behind, ridden 5th, tailed off 3 out, 7th of 9, dist behind The Vollan (11-1) at Southwell 2m hcp (4) gs in Jun.

Love The Leader (IRE) 20-1 (11-11) Held up in mid-division, tailed off 13th, pulled up before 3 out, at Southwell 3m hcp (5) gs in Jun.