led, headed over 2f out, soon no chance with winner, lost 2nd over 1f out
prominent, every chance over 3f out, soon ridden, weakened over 2f out
in touch, lost place after 3f out, reminders and last after 5f, headway under pressure 5f out, went 2nd and edged left over 1f out, no chance with winner
prominent, weakened over 5f out, tailed off
prominent 4f, soon dropped out, pulled up halfway
held up towards rear, lost touch before halfway, soon hopelessly tailed off
mid-division, ridden and weakened 6f out, tailed off
edged right start, soon hung badly left, bronked and unseated rider soon after start
towards rear, headway 6f out, ridden over 4f out, weakened over 3f out
held up in rear, steady headway from halfway, led going well over 2f out, soon shaken up and clear, ran on well
prominent, pushed along 7f out, weakened over 5f out, tailed off
The usual bumper rules apply here with an eye on the market advised and a look at the yards that do well in this sphere and we'll take Cross Compliance to win from Pillbox and Bob Casey. The selection comes from a good yard, has the benefit of A P McCoy up, and has a good jumping pedigree. He has not run since winning an Irish point some time ago, but he looks likely to be able to step up to the plate here. Pillbox has the experience of a c&d bumper run on the CV and he did well there in context, so hopefully he will have learned and come on at home since. Standing Order is gradually improving and has been placed in a couple of these events. There is every chance he can make the frame again in this his last bumper run. Bob Casey is well bred for this game and has just a point to point run to his name so far, but he comes from a yard on the rise and looks a likely improver. Megasue will perhaps emerge as the best newcomer today, but we'll side with Cross Compliance.
Bob Casey (IRE) Bob Back gelding out of winning hurdler Casey Jane.
Cross Compliance (IRE) (11-7) Led or disputed from 6 out, battled on, won at Horse And Jockey 3m ire ptp sft in Mar '07 beating Hands Free (11-7) by a distance, 11 ran.
Pillbox 3-1 (10-10) Mid-division, raced keenly, headway over 6f out, every chance 3f out, not much room when switched left over 1f out, stayed on same pace, 4th of 12, 10l behind Enchanted Approach (10-10) at Worcester 2m mdn nhf (6) gf in Jun.
Standing Order 8-1 (11-0) Prominent, led after 3f, headed 2f out, no extra towards finish, 3rd of 16, 7l behind All Three Fables (10-5) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gf in Jul.
Celtic Robber (IRE) Celtic Swing gelding, brother to winning stayer Celtic Carisma.
Megasue Kayf Tara filly out of winning hurdler Megalex.
Beyond Moonbeams Morpeth gelding, brother to winning hurdler Beyondtherealm.
