tracked winner until ridden and weakened over 1f out
made all, took keen hold, quickened pace halfway, clear over 1f out, stayed on strongly
in rear and keen, pushed along halfway, soon tailed off
tracked leaders, outpaced 6f out, kept on to take 3rd inside final furlong, no impression
in touch, went 3rd over 5f out, chased winner over 1f out, kept on and held by winner
held up towards rear, pushed along over 7f out, soon struggling, tailed off
Nonrunner
TAXI DES OBEAUX ran well when runner-up to Cracking Man on debut at Wetherby in June. It was heavy ground that day so conditions shouldn't be a problem here and he looks the one to beat. Absolutely Bygones won here in June before finishing second at Perth but a penalty will again make life tough while Claiming Benefits probably needs to improve on his third at Market Rasen two weeks ago to get off the mark. Lucinda Russell runs Ballycool and The Friary, both point-to-point winners, and the market will be the best guide to their chances.
Absolutely Bygones (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Tracked leader, led over 3f out, headed over 1f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 7l behind Mister Pagan (10-11) at Perth 2m NH flat (5) sft in Aug.
Claiming Benefits (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders and keen, challenged over 3f out, led over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra and lost 2nd place close home, 3rd of 7, 10l behind Spirit Of Shankly (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f cond NH flat (6) gd in Sep.
Crofton Lane 150-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, headway 6f out, weakened over 4f out, tailed off, last of 10, well behind Anitopia (11-2) at Kelso 2m NH flat (6) gd in May '11.
Taxi Des Obeaux (FR) 7-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, went 2nd over 4f out, every chance 3f out, chased winner from 2f out, soon outpaced, 2nd of 8, 5l behind Cracking Man (10-13) at Wetherby 2m NH flat (6) hvy in Jun.
The Friary (IRE) 8-1 (12-0) Chsd ldrs in 3rd/4th until 2nd from 6out, 1 1/2l 2nd & gng well when lft in ld 2out, sow, easily, won at Tallow 3m ire ptp in Feb beating Ballinahow Oscar (12-0) by 15l, 10 ran.
Golden Court 14-1 (10-4) Towards read, pushed along over 6f out, soon beaten, 7th of 9, well behind Listen And Learn (10-10) at Bangor 2m 1f cond NH flat (6) gd in Aug.
Big Ideas Cape Town gelding out of Trinity Hall.
Ballycool (IRE) 3-1 (12-0) Alw pr, ld & b mstk 2out, rallied to ld last, row, won at Loughanmore 3m ire ptp gs in Apr beating Coopers Corner (12-0) by 4l, 12 ran.
Big George Alflora gelding out of Petrea.
