held up in touch, lost place 4th, soon behind
chased leaders, led after 2nd until 3rd, outpaced after 5th, rallied approaching 2 out, led final furlong, driven out
mid-division, behind from 5th
always behind, mistake 2 out
chasded leaders until weakened before 5th
held up, headway approaching 2 out, ran on to go 2nd close home, not reached winner
mid-division, ridden after 5th, headway approaching 2 out, weakened last
always prominent, led 3rd, ridden and headed final furlong, lost 2nd close home
led until after 2nd, lost place approaching 4th, stayed on steadily from 2 out, never dangerous
chased leaders until lost place 3rd
always towards rear
chased leaders, mistake 2nd, struggling from next, soon behind, jumped left last
raced wide, held up in touch, pushed along after 4th, weakened approaching 2 out
took keen hold in rear, headway 3rd, weakened approaching last
held up, smooth headway approaching 2 out, one pace approaching last, edged left last
held up towards rear, headway under pressure approaching 5th, went 2nd approaching 2 out until mistake last, one pace flat
behind until pulled up after 2nd
in touch until weakened approaching 2 out
This is a dreadful contest and what can only be the tentative vote goes to Virtus, who is preferred to Ashgan and Think Quick. The last mentioned has slipped to a career low mark over hurdles now and Reg Hollinshead's mare has to be respected in this grade. Seemore Sunshine is a consistent performer but seems to be a shade high in the weights at present and of more interest may be Peter Bowen's Faddad, who has the assistance of Tony McCoy and is entitled to improve for his recent return. Shalati Princess was fit from the flat prior to her return to hurdling at Newton Abbot last month so should not improve that much for the run and of more interest may be Somewin, who has slipped back to a fair mark and is now only 2lbs higher than when scoring at Ludlow in May. Jack Durrance showed signs of a revival at Uttoxeter last time and warrants respect in receipt of weight although a bigger threat may come from recent course winner Ashgan, although this trip is the minimum for him now. The vote though goes to Virtus a lightly raced gelding from the stable of Philip Hobbs that looks to be potentially well treated, especially in such lowly company.
Faddad (USA) 9-1 (11-1) Always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Marathea (10-4) at N Abbot 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gs in Jul, 12 ran.
The Cute Won (USA) 10-1 (11-0) Led, headed approaching 3 out, weakened 2 out, 6th of 11, 23l behind Theocritus (10-12) at N Abbot 2m 1f nov hdl (E) gf in Jul.
Think Quick (IRE) 14-1 (10-6) Behind, reminders after 3rd, never dangerous, 7th of 12, 36l behind Ballyboe Boy (11-0) at Cartmel 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-90 (F) gf in Jul.
Shalati Princess 12-1 (10-7) Raced wide, led at steady pace, headed 3rd, prominent until weakened after 3 out, 5th of 11, 20l behind Gold Guest (11-2) at N Abbot 2m 1f mdn hdl (D) gs in Jul.
Virtus 9-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, weakening when hampered 2 out, 8th of 13, well behind Court One (11-2) at Worcester 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (E) gf in Jun.
Ashgan (IRE) 11-1 (10-6) Chased leaders until weakened 7th, 9th of 14, 34l behind Tommy Spar (11-7) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gf in Jul.
Jack Durrance (IRE) 20-1 (10-0) Towards rear, reminders after 5th, headway approaching next, ridden 3 out, mistake 2 out, one pace flat, 4th of 14, 7l behind Margarets Wish (10-10) at Uttoxeter 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (G) gd in Jul.
Seemore Sunshine 12-1 (10-4) In touch, ridden 3 out, soon outpaced, 5th of 14, 22l behind Two Steps To Go (9-13) at Sedgefield 2m 1f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (G) frm in Jul.
