chased leader, led 3 out, ridden clear approaching 2 out, hung right flat, pushed out
led, hit 6th, shaken up approaching 7th, hit 7th, headed 3 out, weakened 2 out
behind, not fluent 2nd and 4th, ridden 7th, soon weakened
held up in touch, not fluent 4th, headway and challenged after 3 out, soon ridden, chased winner 2 out, kept on same pace flat
held up in mid-division, ridden 7th, weakened 2 out
A modest affair in which Shamrock Bay is tentatively recommended ahead of War Pennant and Love Angel. Shamrock Bay started as favourite for his most recent jumps outing but fell heavily when still in contention at Market Rasen but the ground was a bit softer than the official description suggested so there is a chance he could have struggled anyhow. Having had a pipe opener on the level since, if fast ground obtains, he is the one they all have to beat. War Pennant has not beat a horse home in two recent starts although he would hold a formbook case on a performance in a maiden hurdle at Southwell. Eamon Dehdahsti takes off a valuable 3lb. Love Angel was rated in the mid-70's on the level and while he has shown nothing of note over hurdles, he cannot be totally discounted. Its A Classic is exposed as moderate while Firstflor has had many chances. Shamrock Bay is accordingly selected.
Love Angel (USA) 16-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, hit 4th, ridden to challenge after 3 out, one pace from next, 4th of 8, 16l behind Harry Potter (11-9) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf.
War Pennant 10-3 (11-2) Tracked winner, jumped left 2nd and 3rd, ridden from next, soon weakened, last of 3, 21l behind Tashkandi (9-11) at N Abbot 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs in Aug.
Shamrock Bay 15-8fav (11-4) Held up when fell 5 out in race won by Black Rainbow (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd in Aug, 9 ran.
Its A Classic 16-1 (11-0) Held up, hit 7th, headway next, stayed on same pace from approaching 2 out, 3rd of 16, 11l behind Dizzy Future (10-5) at Stratford 2m 6f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf.
Just Beware 50-1 (10-0) Always towards rear, tailed off, 6th of 7, well behind Allaboveboard (10-10) at Fontwell 2m 4f clm hdl (5) gf in Aug.
Firstflor 13-2 (9-11) Held up in rear, never near leaders, 6th of 8, 15l behind Dalriath (11-3) at Fakenham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf in May.
