led and soon clear, ridden before and headed last, no extra run-in
tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd 2 out, weakened before last
in rear, ridden 2 out, never dangerous
tracked leaders in 4th, ridden before 3 out, soon weakened
towards rear, went 4th before last, soon ridden, never dangerous
held up mid-division, went 4th before last, soon weakened
held up towards rear, fell 3rd
held up mid-division, headway before last, led last, clear run-in
tracked leader until before last, one pace
Lava Lamp is interesting in receipt of weight all round but is hard to predict while Goldan Jess has a career-high mark to overcome after winning here last month as the Kirby inmate goes in search of a four-timer over timber. Handsome Dan is one to note but Shantou Tiger houses greater scope for progression over timber. The McCain charge is on the upgrade for sure and James Cowley keeps the ride after partnering the gelding to a make-all success here last month. He's very tempting but TEAK arrives with a fascinating recent profile. His last two runs have seen him land a Glorious Goodwood staying handicap and finish runner-up over fences at Worcester. Now it's back to hurdles for Ian Williams' inmate who should give a very competitive account off 10-7 with Richard Johnson an excellent booking.
Goldan Jess (IRE) 18-1 (11-2) Made all, clear 3 out, ridden after last, stayed on gamely flat, won at Cartmel 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gd in Jul beating Clues And Arrows (11-0) by 2 1/4l, 11 ran.
Shantou Tiger (IRE) 5-4 (10-12) Made virtually all, driven clear before last, ridden out flat, comfortably, won at Cartmel 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jul beating Always Archie (10-12) by 12l, 6 ran.
Bell Weir 11-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, blundered 3rd, outpaced 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off, 8th of 11, well behind Goldan Jess (11-2) at Cartmel 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gd in Jul.
Emerald Rose 4-1 (10-9) Led, ridden and headed after 9th, weakened 2 out, 6th of 9, 15l behind Princely Player (11-12) at Worcester 2m 7f hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gf in Jun.
Maybe I Wont 16-1 (11-0) Mid-division, lost place 7th, tailed off when stumbled 2 out, pulled up last, in a race won by Goldan Jess (11-2) at Cartmel 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gd in Jul, 11 ran.
Apachee Prince (IRE) 13-8fav (10-9) Chased leaders, effort 3 out, mistake next, ran on closing stages, never reached winner, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Book Of Excuses (11-5) at Perth 3m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jul.
Handsome Dan (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Held up behind in touch, tracked leaders 13th, challenged 2 out, every chance last, ridden and kept on flat, just held, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Big Sound (10-11) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Jul.
Teak (IRE) 9-2 (11-3) Held up well in rear, not fluent 8th, headway on outside 10th, challenging when left in lead 4 out, headed 2 out, about 1/2 length down when slightly hampered by loose horse flat, held towards finish, 2nd of 6, 1l behind American Legend (10-13) at Worcester 2m 7f nov hcp chs 0-120 (4) gf.
Lava Lamp (GER) 9-2 (10-11) In touch, led 2 out, ridden before last, headed run-in, rallied to regain lead towards finish, won at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd beating Bathwick Man (11-6) by nk, 5 ran.
