always behind
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, kept on to chase leaders over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, kept on one pace
led, ridden 2f out, kept on until headed close home
in touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, kept on to lead inside final furlong (hand-timed)
always behind
mid-division, stumbled over 3f out, soon ridden, headway to chase leaders over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong
behind, ridden over 3f out, headway until weakened over 1f out
in touch, ridden over 3f out, kept on until no extra inside final furlong
Scotland The Brave is the confident selection ahead of California Laws and Petross. Seven furongs and soft going are an ideal combination for James Bethell's mare and having scored over course and distance in the past, there are plenty of ticks in the boxes. California Laws scored over the trip on bottomless ground at Haydock. That race has worked out well since and any market support would make him of serious interest. Petross is less exposed than most although there was plenty to like about his recent second at the course over the mile trip. Flylowflylong is likely to be popular with the local punters although winning is not a regular habit for Ian Semple's gelding. There is also the suspicion that he may be better over a shorter trip. Amy Louise appears a much more realistic option on faster ground although she can handle this surface. Zhitomir tends to come to hand at this time of year so there would be no surprise to see any support for Michael Dods' charge. Scuba is a prolific winner but has flopped when tried on this going. Scotland The Brave is accordingly selected.
Richelieu 8-1 (9-7) Rear of mid-division, progress early straight, not clear run briefly over 1f out, kept on, 6th of 17, 4 1/2l behind Kintyre Blues (9-0) at Fairyhouse 6f 3yo & 4yo mdn sft in Sept.
Onlytime Will Tell 13-8fav (9-1) Never better than mid-division, 11th of 17, 8l behind First Rhapsody (8-0) at Catterick 7f hcp 0-65 (6) gs in May.
Zarabad (IRE) 28-1 (9-4) Held up, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 15, 7l behind Major Magpie (9-3) at Pontefract 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Sept.
California Laws 11-2 (9-3) Chased leaders far side, led group over 2f out until headed inside final furlong, 7th of 14, 16l behind Orpen Wide (9-2) at Newcastle 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gd in Sept.
Scuba (IRE) 7-1 (8-12) Led far side group, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 7th of 16, 7l behind Wanchai Lad (9-1) at Nottingham 6f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Sept.
Bold Marc (IRE) 12-1 (9-8) In touch, ridden over 2f out, one pace, 6th of 15, 3l behind Country Escape (9-6) at Warwick 1m hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Sept.
Scotland The Brave 11-2 (9-7) Chased leaders, led 3f out, soon ridden, kept on well, won at Ayr 7f hcp 0-60 (6) sft in Sept beating Hansomelle (8-8) by 2l, 14 ran.
Petross 7-1 (8-9) Tracked leaders and keen, challenged entering final furlong, soon every chance, no extra near finish, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind Apache Nation (9-4) at Ayr 1m 3yo hcp (6) sft in Sept.
