led, headed after 2nd, remained prominent, ridden 3 out, weakened next
held up in rear, headway from 4 out, ridden and led 2 out, soon clear
held up, weakened and blundered 3 out
keen, tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 3 out
led after 2nd, headed after 6th, ridden and weakened 4 out
held up, ridden and headway approaching 2 out, kept on to take moderate 3rd flat
always towards rear, ridden 4 out, never dangerous
in rear, jumped slowly 1st and 2nd and reminders, never dangerous
held up, weakened 7th
chased leaders, effort 3 out, soon ridden, weakened flat
prominent, led after 6th, clear 4 out, ridden and headed 2 out, one pace flat
An open start to proceedings can see High Gear get the better of General Grey, San Hernando, and Potts Of Magic to name but a few. High Gear has been frustrating to follow since scoring over the course-and-distance last August, finding one or two too good on each of his last six outings. He was fancied when second at Fontwell last time, and in truth the handicapper may just have his measure at present, but it is hoped that this step back up in trip will help, and in a hard race to call, he gets a tentative vote, with Tony McCoy back on board. General Grey also left the money in the bookies' satchels when beaten narrowly at Fontwell, and he too will relish the extra journey, while San Hernando has been given a break since having a couple of spins on the level in the summer, and may go well fresh here. Potts Of Magic is creeping up the weights, but the return to this faster ground will help, and he is yet another with claims of a sort, along with Deo Gratias who can go well from just 2lb out of the handicap. Son Of Greek Myth cannot be discounted either after his recent win, and all in all, only a token vote goes the way of High Gear.
High Gear (IRE) 7-2fav (11-9) Held up mid-division, effort 8th, ridden 3 out, stayed on to chase winner 2 out, kept on flat, not reach winner, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Giovanna (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Sept.
Lawyer Des Ormeaux (FR) 7-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway approaching 11th, ridden 3 out, led and wandered about approaching last, driven out, won at Uttoxeter 3m hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gf in Sept '05 beating Yourman (11-10) by 2l, 14 ran.
General Grey (IRE) 13-8fav (10-12) Prominent, headway, chased leaders 7th, ridden 3 out, challenged 2 out, every chance last, hard ridden flat, just failed, 2nd of 5, hd behind Sonoma (10-5) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gf in Sept.
San Hernando 8-13fav (11-2) Led, clear 3rd until hit 9th, headed 10th, weakened quickly, 3rd of 12, well behind Seeador (10-9) at Hereford 3m 2f mdn hdl (4) gf in May.
Ingres 6-1 (10-9) Prominent, joint leader 2nd, challenged 7th, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out, mistake last, 6th of 8, 18l behind Giovanna (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Sept.
Potts of Magic 11-4fav (11-2) Mid-division, shaken up to chase leaders after 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 8, 4l behind Wayward Melody (9-12) at N Abbot 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Aug.
Son of Greek Myth (USA) 11-2 (11-8) In touch, challenged 2 out, slightly hampered last, ran on flat to lead near finish, won at Plumpton 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf in Sept beating Fieldsofclover (11-10) by a nk, 10 ran.
El Corredor (IRE) 14-1 (10-11) Held up mid-divison, ridden 6th, outpaced 8th, stayed on one pace from 3 out, 4th of 8, 13l behind Giovanna (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Sept.
