chased leaders, hit 1st, went 2nd 3 out, led next, ridden out flat
chased leader until 3 out, weakened next
held up off the pace in rear trio, closed 3rd, weakened before 3 out
held up off the pace in rear trio, closed from 3rd, every chance 2 out, held from last
led, not fluent 4th, headed 2 out, no extra flat
held up off the pace in rear trio, in touch from 3rd, not fluent 6th, stayed on same pace from 2 out
ATLANTIC STORM looks to have plenty in his favour as he hails from the in-form Skelton yard, is open to more improvement than his rivals as the youngest member of the field and arrives on the back of a smooth Southwell success over the trip and ground he faces here. A 6lb rise for success at the Nottinghamshire venue is acceptable. His rivals are predominantly exposed but Volvalien is interesting as he returns from an absence and is worth a market check as he had some useful form for Brian Ellison in 2016-17. Ink Master is currently going through a fallow period so the consistent Ifandbutwhynot is suggested as a more reliable shortlist option.
Ifandbutwhynot (IRE) 10-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, effort on inside after 2 out, soon one pace, ridden after last, kept on but no chance with leaders flat, took 3rd post, 3rd of 7, 10 1/2l behind Champagne At Tara (11-6) at Aintree 2m hcp (3) gd in Jun.
Ink Master (IRE) 8-1 (12-4) Led, clear after 1st until slow 5th, headed 4 out, weakened after next, 5th of 6, dist behind Pearls Legend (12-4) at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) gd in May.
Volvalien (FR) 7-2 (11-10) Led until 2nd, remained prominent, rallied 2 out, kept on same pace closing stages, 2nd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Truckers Highway (11-8) at Worcester 2m hcp (4) gd in Oct.
Atlantic Storm (IRE) 13-8fav (11-11) Held up in rear, not fluent 9th, headway after 4 out, 2nd 3 out, led next, ridden clear flat, won at Southwell 2m hcp (4) gd in Jun beating Boss Des Mottes (10-13) by 5l, 6 ran.
Lord Ben (IRE) 20-1 (11-5) Tracked leader, led before 3rd, jumped right 5th and 6th, headed before last (normal 2 out), soon weakened, 4th of 9, 11 1/2l behind Kohuma (10-13) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f hcp (4) gd in Jun.
Walden Prince (IRE) 10-3 (10-12) Behind, ridden 6th, pulled up before 8th, at Huntingdon 2m hcp (4) gd in May.
