tracked leaders, led approaching 2 out, ran on
tracked leaders, ridden to lead 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, no impression
held up, ridden along from 8th, no impression on leading trio
led, headed 3 out, faded from 2 out
unseated rider first
always behind
Nonrunner
MYSTICAL STAR is our selection for this very open looking contest, being preferred to King Cyrus and Royal Kicks. A number of these, including our selection, have had a break from racing for a while. Mystical Star won't want too much cut in the ground, but has the advantage of being bottom weight, with more than a stone in hand on a number of rivals. Consistent earlier in the year with three runners up placings, he travels well but just keeps finding one too good. The weight advantage could swing it for him this time. King Cyrus and Royal Kings give a majestic feel to the contest. The former makes his chase debut; disappointing last time out here, if taking to the fences should go well. Royal Kings has yet to be placed in eight starts over fences, but a switch to Suzy Smith's stable may bring about a change of fortune, and the locals could be backing him. The Hardy Boy won this year and is likely to have some support again. Our selection though is Mystical Star.
High Oscar 11-4fav (11-2) Always towards rear and pulled up 5 out in race won by Johnee Joblot (11-1) at Navan 2m 4f hcp chs 0-109 gs in Dec, 20 ran.
Flight Command (11-0) 7th of 8, well behind Royal Mougins (11-0) at Pardubice 2m 6f chs gd in Oct.
The Hardy Boy 10-1 (11-0) In touch, ridden after 9th, weakened approaching 4 out, tailed off, 7th of 9, 47l behind Cleymor House (9-11) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) gs in Mar.
Junctiontwentyfour 5-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, lost place 6th, weakened quickly after 9th and pulled up at the 10th in race won by Mylo (11-5) at N Abbot 2m 5f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gf in May, 9 ran.
Royal Kicks (FR) 11-8fav (11-9) Held up in touch, blundered badly 6th, jumped left, well there 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, mistake last, 6th of 7, 37l behind Jose Bove (10-9) at Towcester 2m nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gd in Apr.
Quartz Du Montceau (FR) 8-1 (10-8) Mistakes, held up, headway under pressure approaching 3 out, no impression, one pace, 3rd of 6, 11l behind Can't Buy Time (11-9) at Southwell 3m nov hcp chs (4) gd in Oct.
Mystical Star (FR) 5-2 (10-7) In touch, led way to lead 3 out, soon ridden, headed approaching last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 8, 7l behind Annie Fleetwood (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Jun.
King Cyrus (IRE) 9-4fav (11-5) Led, mistake 4 out, headed 3 out, weakened quickly, 5th of 9, 27l behind Hoof It Harry (10-6) at Plumpton 2m 5f amt hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in May.
