Verdict

Something went amiss with Lord Bryan at Worcester when attempting a four-timer. He’d earlier beaten Jony Max on a couple of occasions and the latter went on to score over track and trip with a disappointing previous course winner Nelsons Rock well behind. Defi D'Oudairies was narrowly beaten over course and distance earlier in the month while BALKARDY is another with form over these fences having finished less than a length behind the higher rated Hell Red in novice company. He’d landed a hat-trick in handicaps before that and gets another chance today.

Formwatch

Defi D'Oudairies (FR)11-2 (11-11) Held up behind leaders, took keen hold, ridden after 4 out, lost place before 3 out, 5th of 8, 26 1/4l behind For Jim (11-13) at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (4) gs in Jul.

Jony Max (IRE)3-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, lost place 4th, headway 8th, mistake 13th, went 2nd before 3 out, led last, stayed on, won at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp (4) gd in Jul beating Port O'clock (11-0) by 4 3/4l, 7 ran.

Balkardy (FR)5-4 (12-0) Tracked leader, blundered 12th, shaken up after 2 out, ridden and pressed leader after last, kept on but always held, 2nd of 3, 3/4l behind Hell Red (12-0) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f (3) gd in Jul.

Lord Bryan (IRE)7-2 (11-6) Pressed leader, led group behind leading pair 8th, ridden and lost place after 11th, tailed off 12th, pulled up before 4 out, at Worcester 2m 7f hcp (3) gd in Jul.

Nelsons Rock15-8fav (11-10) Towards rear, pushed along 8th, ridden before 12th, no impression, well beaten from 4 out, 6th of 7, 33 1/2l behind Jony Max (11-7) at Newton Abbot 3m 2f hcp (4) gd in Jul.