tracked leaders, outpaced 5th, pushed along before 3 out, ridden to lead 2 out, in command when left clear last, easily
tracked leader, led 4th, headed 3 out, ridden and weakened in 3rd before 2 out, left poor 2nd from last
led to 4th, weakened before 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
held up in touch, led from 3 out, headed 2 out, held in 2nd when fell last
in rear, not fluent 1st, tailed off from 4th, soon pulled up
L'aigle Royal won over hurdles in France back in May and has since joined John Quinn. But he's penalised for that success and is having his first start since July. SINDARBAN has also changed hands having been placed in all three starts on the Flat in Ireland. Donald McCain's charge is preferred to other hurdling newcomers Porthos Du Vallon and Strategic Island and can make a winning start over timber. Announcement and Istimraar have yet to threaten over hurdles.
L'aigle Royal (GER) 9-2 (10-12) 4th of 14, 5l behind Achour (10-5) at Clairefontaine(FR) 2m 1f 3yo hdl sft in Jul.
Istimraar (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Towards rear, headway after 2 out, kept on to take 4th run-in, one pace, 4th of 11, 14l behind Vosne Romanee (10-12) at Cartmel 2m 1f 3yo hdl (4) gd in Aug.
Porthos Du Vallon 16-1 (8-11) Mid-division, took keen hold, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 2 3/4l behind Camerooney (8-12) at Ayr 1m hcp (3) gf in Sep (flat).
Sindarban (IRE) 9-2 (9-5) Dwelt, soon tracked leaders, 4th into straight, 7th 2f out, chased winner and no impression 1f out, kept on same pace, 2nd of 14, 2 3/4l behind Adjusted (9-5) at Curragh 1m 2f 3yo mdn gf in Aug (flat).
Announcement 20-1 (10-5) Wandered 1st, mid-division, pecked 5th, soon outpaced, weakened 2 out, tailed off, 5th of 12, well behind Goodbye Dancer (11-5) at Stratford 2m 3yo hdl (4) gd in Jul.
Strategic Island (IRE) Strategic Prince filly out of Island Music.