mid-division, headway 6f out, disputing 2nd over 2f out, one pace inside final furlong
took keen hold, held up towards rear, hung right and ridden 5f out, weakened over 3f out
held up towards rear, struggling and detached briefly over 8f out, stayed on final 2f, never on terms
held up in rear, pushed along over 4f out, no impression, weakened 3f out
chased winner until ridden over 1f out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 2f out
made all, swished tail when given reminder over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong
in touch, weakened 6f out, tailed off
held up towards rear, headway on inside after 5f, chased winner over 2f out, not quicken inside final furlong
mid-division, weakened over 3f out
BATHWICK QUEST gets the vote over Crow Spinney and Rocky River. There are several newcomers who could be of interest; the market will help give some indication to the chances of Mr Presley, Sleepers Hill, Kielder Rise and Court Lad. Each come from yard's who have some fair bumper ammunition and any could be good enough. There is already some good bumper form on offer though and we will side with Bathwick Quest. He didn't seem to progress from first to second runs but was a different proposition on his third start when winning at Newton Abbott after a summer off the track. Rocky River was involved in quite a rough race on his debut at Uttoxeter but still ran well in defeat and must be respected, whilst Crow Spinney is an interesting recruit from the pointing world and whilst likely to need further in timer should not be underestimated. The market will help, but preference is for Bathwick Quest.
Bathwick Quest (IRE) 33-1 (9-13) Mid-division, smooth headway 5f out, led on bit over 2f out, pushed out, won at N Abbot 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Aug beating Aussie Deal (10-7) by 3l, 16 ran.
Bob Shilling (IRE) 11-2 (11-2) Held up, weakened over 4f out, 14th of 18, 47l behind Noble Alan (11-2) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) gf in Nov.
Court Lad Alflora gelding, half-brother to winning hurdler Gunnabelil.
Mr Presley (IRE) Sonus gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Rocky River (IRE) 7-1 (10-8) Mid-division, headway on inside when not much room and hampered 7f out, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, stayed on, no impression, 2nd of 16, 3 1/2l behind Blencathra Bay (11-4) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gs in Dec.
Sleepers Hill (IRE) Luso gelding, half-brother to 7f winner Ruhr and stayer Arian Spirit.
Crow Spinney 5-4 (11-0) Held up; hdwy 14; led last; rdly, won at Trecoed 3m ptp frm in Jun beating Bangkok Bob (12-0) by 4l, 8 ran.
Grange Girl 50-1 (10-9) In touch 5f, behind final 10f, tailed off, 10th of 11, well behind Diablo (11-9) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gd in May.
Kielder Rise Classic Cliche filly out of winning miler Countessmarkievicz.
Sandy Denny (IRE) 20-1 (10-0) Chased leader, ridden and every chance over 2f out, soon weakened, 4th of 16, 20l behind Bathwick Quest (9-13) at N Abbot 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Aug.
Monks Castle 100-1 (11-0) Always in rear, 14th of 15, well behind Silver Kate (10-4) at Hereford 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) gd.
