led, ridden and headed 3 out, weakening when jumped left next
chased leader to 3rd, hit and lost place 7th, rallied approaching 2 out, stayed on flat, not reach winner
held up, ridden 5th, headway approaching 7th, weakened after next
chased winner approaching 3rd, ridden to lead 3 out, headed last, hung left and no extra flat
held up, ridden and outpaced after 8th, headway approaching 3 out, led last, stayed on flat
With the exception of Althrey Ruler, who seems out of sorts and faces a stiff task at these weights anyway, this looks quite a trappy little contest. Fashion Victim put up an improved performance to make all of the running in a moderate handicap here last time, but this could be more difficult and he is probably worth opposing under his penalty. Midnight Coup was a winner on the flat in Ireland, and in Jersey in August. He shaped with plenty of promise over hurdles at Newton Abbot in July and, with more scope than most, just gets the vote. Reflex Blue was third here on his latest start and should improve for this step up in trip, so merits consideration along with Wings Of Hope, who could win this if showing his best form but overall has proved to be somewhat disappointing.
