held up last, outpaced 7th, ridden and chased leader after 3 out, headway approaching 2 out, led last, eased flat when left clear
pulled early, prominent, ridden and outpaced 6th, weakened after 3 out, blundered 2 out
held up in touch, headway led and not fluent 3 out, ridden and quickened approaching 2 out, not fluent 2 out, just headed and held when fell last
chased leader, pecked 4th, joined leader 6th, led approaching 7th, ridden and headed 3 out, weakening and behind when blundered 2 out
led to ridden and headed approaching 7th, weakened approaching 2 out
West Country rivals Phillip Hobbs and Paul Nicholls have served up a match to savour with McBain and newcomer Escayola and we shall stick with the former. Rated well in excess of 120, McBain has not shirked top level company in recent weeks having ran in both the Imperial Cup and County Hurdle. While much of his National Hunt form has been on ground with significantly more give in it, he handled the fast surface well on the flat and should not be inconvenienced by the step up in trip. Today's trip may well be the minimum for Escayola. A useful stayer when with William Haggas - the highlights being a win in a competitive two miler at Ascot and a fifth in the Cesarewitch. A six month absence has to be something of a concern and while Escayola could be anything, the market should speak very much as to his chances on this occasion. Cream Cracker is proven on the surface but will need on official figures to find plenty to trouble our selection. This race is tougher than the mares' only race she failed to win at the track a couple of weeks ago. Drumbeater has been a severe disappointment this term and looks best avoided. Tyup Pompey is outclassed. A tactical battle could ensue and we shall stick for the pacier McBain.
McBain (USA) 66-1 Mid-division, stayed on approaching last, never near leaders, 9th of 30, 15l behind Fontanesi at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp hdl Grd 3 (A) gd in Mar.
Drumbeater (IRE) 8-1 Tracked winner until ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 12, 35l behind Lord Rodney at Wetherby 2m 4f mdn hdl (F) gs in Mar.
Escayola (IRE) 20-1 Held up, headway over 3f out, stayed on well, not reach leaders, 5th of 34, 2l behind Contact Dancer at Newmarket 2m 2f hcp (B1) sft in Oct (Flat).
Cream Cracker 4-1 Held up, headway approaching 7th, ridden and effort approaching 2 out, kept on, 3rd of 9, 2 1/2l behind Latin Queen at Taunton 2m 3f mdn hdl (E) gf in Mar.
Tyup Pompey (IRE) 33-1 Mid-division, headway after 6th, ridden after 2 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 13, 11l behind Golden Chalice at Taunton 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (F) gf in Mar.
