behind, struggled in 4th, never dangerous
behind, headway under pressure after 3 out, ridden and no impression from next
led, lost fluent 2 out, ridden and headed flat, kept on until no extra towards finish
in touch, ridden 2 out, kept on same pace
mid-division, headway 3 out, outpaced next, soon ridden, rallied flat, dead heat at the post
in touch, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
mid-division, outpaced 3 out, no impression from next
raced keenly, tracked leader to 2 out, weakened approaching last
mid-division, lost place 3 out, soon behind
mid-division, ridden and headway after 3 out, led flat, kept on, joined post
behind, kept on from 2 out, never nearer
chased leaders from 3 out, weakened next
behind, headway 3 out, ridden and weakened next
Nonrunner
Prince Among Men is selected in the finale. Buffy and Go Figure are rated as dangerous, while Gold Gun could be interesting for a place. The last named was useful on the Flat for Michael Jarvis but struggled with the handicapper after beating the classy Kong in a Newbury maiden a couple of seasons ago. He made a satisfactory start to his hurdling career at Towcester and it would come as no surprise to see a better display today. Go Figure was unlucky not to win at Market Rasen last time out and shapes as if he can pay his way before too long. This is his grade and he looks capable of at least making the frame. A similar statement applies to Buffy, who is a previous course and distance winner that still has plenty to offer. However, she did find less than expected against a modest rival last time, so now has a bit to prove. Therefore, we prefer to go with Prince Among Men, who is a versatile character that has held his own in better company than this. Nicky Richards' gelding will like the drying ground and he just edges the vote as best betting proposition in a tricky contest.
Prince Among Men 9-4jt-fav (10-9) Towards rear, headway 3 out, went 2nd next, no chance with winner, 2nd of 7, 26l behind Kadount (11-5) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf in May.
English City (IRE) 14-1 (10-7) Towards rear, never dangerous, 6th of 10, 14l behind St Pirran (10-0) at Kelso 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gf in May.
Guerilla (AUS) 4-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, ridden 3 out, rallied next, one pace and no impression approaching last, 3rd of 8, 13l behind Tarkesar (10-5) at Perth 2m ldy hcp hdl (4) gd.
Gold Gun (USA) 9-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders and keen, ridden 3 out, one pace when mistake 2 out, 4th of 10, 14l behind Ashwell (11-6) at Towcester 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gd in Jun.
Buffy 15-8fav (11-5) Led, headed last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 13, 8l behind Quarry Island (10-12) at Hexham 2m mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Jun.
Tiger King (GER) 9-2 (11-4) Held up, headway 3 out, ridden next, kept on same pace, 3rd of 11, 5l behind I'm Your Man (10-11) at Perth 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf in Jun '06.
Royal Glen (IRE) 9-1 (10-6) Held up, ridden approaching 3 out, went 2nd next, kept on one pace, 2nd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Yankee Holiday (10-8) at Perth 2m hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Jun.
Go Figure (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden and not fluent last, hung right and kept on flat, just held, 2nd of 13, hd behind Scutch Mill (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd.
