jumped right at times, chased leader, led 2nd, in command last, stayed on gamely
led until 2nd, chased winner until 3 out, weakened after
chased leaders, mistake 4 out, went 2nd 3 out, ridden approaching last, unable to challenge
Oscar Rose won twice in the autumn and again over hurdles on her reappearance but ran a shocker after another break at Worcester in July. DILIGENT appears to go from strength-to-strength and was very impressive at Newton Abbot just over two weeks ago. He can get the better of Yccs Portocervo, who is creeping up the weights again.
Oscar Rose (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Jumped right, led until before 3 out, soon weakened, last of 8, 37 1/4l behind Rakhine State (10-6) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (3) gd in Jul.
Diligent (FR) 3-1fav (12-3) Made all and mostly clear from 9th, stayed on strongly, unchallenged, won at Newton Abbot 2m 5f hcp (4) gd in Aug beating Take Em Out (10-1) by 27l, 10 ran.
Yccs Portocervo (FR) 9-4fav (10-8) Held up in last pair, closer out wide chasing leaders before 4 out, went 2nd home turn, almost upsides when bumped last, ridden and no extra run-in, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Cracking Destiny (10-11) at Stratford 2m 3f hcp (2) gd in Aug.