disputed lead throughout until led 7th, strongly challenged when mistake 3 out, headed after last, rallied to lead again closing stages, stayed on gamely
disputed lead throughout until chased leader 7th, every chance 3 out, weakened after next
tracked leaders, effort after 2 out, soon one pace, faded flat
chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, rallied after next, led after last, soon challenged, headed and no extra towards finish
Bumper and points winner Simarthur faces a stiff task on his hurdling debut but should appreciate the step up to 3m. BILLFROMTHEBAR has to concede weight all round but he did well to rally and overhaul Otto The Great at Perth and this stiff track will play to his strengths. He gets the nod as Benefit Of Youth is pretty much exposed, though should run his race again. Indigo Rock was quite impressive when landing a maiden hurdle here in the summer and can't be ignored, despite a short break.
Billfromthebar (IRE) 15-8 (11-5) Led, pushed along and headed 3 out, looked well held in 2nd before last, soon ridden and rallied to regain lead close home, won at Perth 3m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Jul beating Otto The Great (11-0) by 1l, 3 ran.
Benefit Of Youth (IRE) 5-6fav (11-5) Led 1st, mistake 5th, driven and joined when blundered last, unable to recover, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 5, 1 3/4l behind Fighter Jet (11-5) at Stratford 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Aug.
Indigo Rock (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Held up in touch, closed after 5th, challenged 9th, led after 3 out, stayed on, won at Hexham 3m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jun beating Soweheard (11-5) by 3 1/2l, 14 ran.
Simarthur 15-8 (10-11) Held up in touch, went 3rd before 4f out, led before 2f out, ridden before 1f out, kept on, won at Hexham 2m mdn NH flat (6) gs in Apr beating Northern Executive (11-4) by 1 1/4l, 11 ran.
