chased winner until 4 out, soon weakened, left remote 2nd at last
made all, unchallenged, left clear last, eased flat
raced in 3rd place, ridden to chase winner 4 out, 7 lengths down when fell last
always in rear, weakened soon after 5th, tailed off and pulled up after 7th
Kanpai is on a roll at present and can complete a six-timer at the expense of Brave Rebellion and Hunting Lodge. It would appear futile to oppose Kanpai here, given the level of form that he has shown in notching up a sequence of four straight victories over hurdles and one on the Flat at Goodwood last month just for good measure. He defied a rise of nearly a stone when gaining the last of wins over hurdles under Paul O'Neill, and is now partnered by Tony McCoy who rode him to each of his three earlier successes. That win on the level showed that he is still ticking over nicely, and quite simply, John O'Shea's charge looks on a different planet to his three rivals here. Brave Rebellion won two bumpers on this track last year, but has failed to progress since going hurdling and has been off since April, while Hunting Lodge opened his account here in June with the help of first-time blinkers, but the aids have not worked since. It will be a major shock if Kanpai loses, but that will be reflected in his short odds unfortunately.
Hunting Lodge (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Pulled hard, chased leader, led 2nd, soon hung right, lost place approaching 7th, soon weakened, last of 5, 20l behind Sonoma (10-5) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gf in Sept.
Kanpai (IRE) 9-4 (11-11) Led from 1st, quickened on bit after 3 out, shakened up 2 out, comfortably, won at N Abbot 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Aug beating Grand Slam Hero (11-7) by 4l, 6 ran.
Brave Rebellion 50-1 (11-1) Always behind, 11th of 16, 39l behind Cloudy Lane (11-6) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hcp hdl (2) gs in Apr.
Superfling 50-1 (10-7) Always towards rear, tailed off 3 out and pulled up 2 out in race won by Dreams Jewel (11-0) at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Apr, 10 ran.
