led, ridden along 3 out, kept on flat
prominent, mistake 6th, reminders after 7th, no impression from 3 out
prominent, lost place 7th, continuous reminders, well behind, pulled up 4 out
held up, blundered 3rd, fell 5th
mid-division, effort 12th, ridden 4 out, soon no impression
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, one pace soon after
held up, headway 11th, led 3 out, ridden out flat
in rear, never dangerous
tracked leaders, effort 5 out, soon ridden, weakened next
with leader, ridden along 4 out, soon weakened
CLEAR THE WAY looks worth another try over fences and can take this contest for Sue Smith, with September Moon and Grecian Groom among the dangers. The selection hails from yard that does well here and the gelding has had just one try over fences when falling here last December. He was given a break before running a big race at Aintree in May and has again been put away since. Stamina looks his forte and a sound surface suits, so as one open to plenty of improvement we will side with him. September Moon stays forever and has been running with credit in defeat of late, but he just looks to have too much weight on his back at present and we oppose. Grecian Groom is better than this mark over hurdles, so there is some potential for him to improve over fences. Fast ground suits and he has stamina to prove, but he may come on a little bit for this marathon trip. Thunder Hawk has shown ability but takes a huge hike up in distance and is one to watch, while Reasonably Sure simply appears to be too one-paced to interest us. Clear The Way can come good this time. (Jonathan Doidge)
Thunder Hawk (IRE) 5-2fav (11-0) In touch, driven and outpaced 5 out, ridden 3 out, kept on from next, never troubled leaders, 4th of 9, 5l behind Moor Spirit (10-6) at Perth 2m 4f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Jul.
September Moon 10-3 (11-10) Chased leaders, went second 4 out, ridden and kept on from next, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 12l behind Wee William (11-1) at Market Rasen 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Aug.
Grecian Groom (IRE) 9-2 (11-3) Held up, reminder after 10th, driven after 12th, lost touch with leaders 4 out, stayed on approaching last, went 3rd flat, 3rd of 7, 10l behind Young Lorcan (10-6) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Aug.
Clear The Way (IRE) 16-1 (10-8) Raced keenly, soon prominent, led 5th to 8th, ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on to chase winner last, 2nd of 17, 3 1/2l behind Marufo (11-12) at Aintree 3m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in May.
Polar Gale (IRE) 10-3fav (11-9) Towards rear, headway 8th, weakened 10th, 8th of 11, 36l behind Fred Bojangals (10-0) at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in May.
Reasonably Sure (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) Led to 3rd, remained prominent, led 8th to 11th, outpaced approaching 2 out, stayed on flat, 3rd of 16, 4 1/2l behind Royal China (10-11) at Southwell 2m 5f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd in Aug.
Great Grimsby (IRE) 11-1 (11-8) Chased leaders, lost place 11th, no danger after, 6th of 16, 12l behind Royal China (10-11) at Southwell 2m 5f hcp chs 0-90 (5) gd in Aug.
Tin Healy's Pass 28-1 (10-0) In rear, reminders 4th, never dangerous, last of 14, well behind Breaking Storm (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Aug.
Vicentio 25-1 (11-3) Held up in touch, weakened approaching 3 out and pulled up 2 out in race won by Lyster (11-10) at Southwell 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf in Jul, 15 ran.
Mr Twins (ARG) 18-1 (9-9) Held up in rear, not fluent 4th, behind when hit 9th, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Brave Jo (10-12) at Southwell 2m 5f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gd in Aug, 7 ran.
