always behind
mid-division, headway to track leaders 8th, ridden 3 out, 4 lengths down and held in 3rd when fell last
prominent, ridden and every chance 3 out until just held close home
always towards rear, weakening when hit 7th
led, ridden approaching 4 out, headed 2 out and soon weakened
mid-division, weakened 8th, pulled up before 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, led next, kept on gamely flat, all out
tracked leaders until weakened 8th
King Diamond has experience of chasing and gets the nod over The Entomologist and Compton Eagle, while Daldini is also respected but has a bit to prove after posting a disappointing effort when sent off as a warm favourite at Cartmel a fortnight ago. That said, Comical Errors - a former inmate of Pat Haslam's - is also interesting, as he makes the trip over from Ireland for his first start over jumps for 420 days. He did have a blow out at Kilarney last month but it will take a real leap of faith to back him on what he showed there. Compton Eagle has experience of the hurdles course at Perth but needs to prove his aptitude for fencing. Jimmy Lambe will no doubt have put him through his paces at home but he has a bit to prove on balance. The Entomologist also lacks experience of fences and is not one to be going overboard about at the likely odds - especially as Charlie Egerton has been going through a quiet spell with his limited number of summer campaigners. Therefore, we prefer to go with King Diamond, who has also raced in France and Germany - picking up win and place money on the Flat and over jumps. The son of Exit To Nowhere joined his current yard from Christian Von Der Recke and, as he has taken well to British fences, King Diamond has plenty in his favour this afternoon.
Charlie George 9-1 (9-7) Held up, smooth headway and in touch approaching 3 out, ridden next, weakened approaching last, 4th of 8, 14l behind Tarkesar (10-5) at Perth 2m ldy hcp hdl (4) gd in Jul.
Comical Errors (USA) 3-1fav (11-0) Chased leaders, every chance 3 out, soon ridden, one pace next, 3rd of 8, 14l behind Barney (9-9) at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in Jun '06.
Compton Eagle 4-1 (11-5) Raced keenly, led after 3rd, ridden 2 out, kept on until headed and no extra towards finish, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind Tarkesar (10-5) at Perth 2m ldy hcp hdl (4) gd in Jul.
Daldini 13-8fav (11-8) In touch, ridden and outpaced 9th, chased winner after last until no extra towards finish, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Litron (11-8) at Cartmel 2m 1f beg chs (4) gs in Jul.
King Diamond (FR) 13-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, mistakes 6th and 8th, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out, hung left between last 2, 4th of 6, 12l behind Vintage Gold (11-0) at Towcester 2m beg chs (4) gd in Jun.
The Entomologist (IRE) 4-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, hit 5th and 6th, ridden after 3 out, weakened last, 6th of 16, 17l behind Nicki Boy (11-7) at Fontwell 2m 6f cnd hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gd in Mar.
Mister Magnum (IRE) 33-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, lost place 6th, reminders after 8th, lost touch 11th, 6th of 11, well behind Commercial Express (10-2) at Perth 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Jun.
