pressed leader, led narrowly after 3rd, headed 5th, left in clear lead 9th, not fluent 12th, narrow advantage 4 out, ridden after 2 out, headed before last, no extra flat
led narrowly, headed after 3rd, led 5th, blundered and unseated rider 9th
held up in 3rd, left in 2nd 9th, hit 12th, close up 4 out, travelled strongly to lead before last, ridden clear flat
in rear, pushed along after 5th, ridden and lost touch 11th, tailed off from 4 out
NonRunner
NonRunner
Some old friends in opposition in what looks a pretty tight contest. Southfield Theatre has enjoyed a splendid time of things since going into the pointing arena and will have no problem with returning to racing under Rules and seems sure to run his race. Both Barney Dwan and Deans Road came through their 'prep' races with wins between the flags and are respected but we'll stay with VIRAK. A fine servant to Paul Nicholls and the late Rose Loxton down the years, the gelding returned from a 441-day absence to score easily in a point this month and can continue his winning run despite the concession of weight all round.
Virak (FR) 2-5fav (11-5) (cp) (tt) hdwy 5; led aft 15; drew clr 2 out; easy, won at Cothelstone 3m gd in May beating Shometheway (10-7) by 12l, 8 ran.
Barney Dwan (IRE) 5-4fav (11-2) (5a) a.p; led 12-16; rnwd chall & hmpd 2 out; rallied to ld post, won at Edgcote 3m gd in May beating King Of The Clothe (11-7) by shd, 9 ran.
Deans Road (IRE) 5-4 (11-0) Bhnd til hdwy 12; chall 2 out; led last; all out, won at Kingston Blount 3m gd in May beating Back Bar (11-3) by nk, 7 ran.
Merrion Avenue (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) (5a) (cp) lost plce 9; rallied 14; stayed on to ld flat, won at Hexham 3m gd in May beating Nine Altars (11-5) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Sonneofpresenting (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Led aft 1 til hdd aft 15; kpt on 2 out, 3rd of 8, 12 3/4l behind Virak (11-5) at Cothelstone 3m gd in May.
Southfield Theatre (IRE) 1-3fav (11-5) Led til hdd & unable qckn flat, 2nd of 5, 2l behind Board Of Trade (11-5) at Flete Park 4m gd in May.
