pulled hard in rear, headway 6th, chased leaders approaching 2nd last, soon under pressure, ridden to challenge approaching last, kept on same pace
pulled hard early, led 1st, soon restrained and in touch, weakened approaching 3 out
always behind, lost action and quickly pulled up after 3 out, dismounted
led after 1st, headed approaching 6th, weakened approaching, 2 out, eased
tracked leader, pulled hard early, weakening when mistake 4 out, soon behind
held up in mid-division, chased leaders after 5th, led next, strongly challenged 2 out, hard ridden and headed last strides
in touch joined leader 5th, ridden and weakened after 3 out,
held up mid-division, headway 3 out, soon chasing leaders, under pressure when mistake last, weakened flat
held up in rear, progress approaching 6th, soon prominent, jumped right 3 out, ridden to challenge next, every chance last, stayed on under pressure to lead close home
pulled hard, tracked leaders, weakened after 5th
GULF PRESIDENT may be worth siding with here ahead of likely favourite Al Amaan, with Mid Wicket completing the shortlist. Tim Vaughan has his string in fair form and this gelding ran well when last seen in taking second, albeit a remote one, to subsequent Grade One winner Barizan. That form just about sets the standard here and as he's had fewer chances than his main rivals it makes sense to side with a horse that clearly has been kept back for a summer campaign. In all likelihood Al Amaan will start favourite for this, hailing as he does from the Ditcheat base of Paul Nicholls. It's fair to say connections expected him to be a good deal better than this grade having forked out £140,000 but his efforts so far have been disappointing and patience is wearing thin. Mid Wicket took second over course and distance last time, in the process showing he's a horse who relies on good ground, and with Richie Killoran again in the plate it'd be no surprise were he to take a hand in the finish. Cubism should fare better than he did on debut now set an easier assignment while Navajo Nation can be relied upon to run his race but that standard shouldn't enable him to figure prominently. Division Two of the maiden hurdle isn't of a high standard but Gulf President is an interesting runner and gets the vote.
Al Amaan 3-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, switched right and headway after 3 out, chased leaders after next, never on terms, 7th of 16, 14l behind Tzora (11-0) at Wincanton 2m mdn hdl (4) gf in Apr.
Goring One (IRE) 40-1 (11-1) In touch when fell 4th, in a race won by Swincombe Rock (11-3) at Kempton 2m 5f nov hcp 0-115 (4) gd in Apr, 17 ran.
Oscar Brando (IRE) 9-2 (12-0) Mid div best, 6th & pushed 6out, mod 7th from 3out until pu bef 2out, in a race won by Rossbro Hall (12-0) at Inchydoney 3m ire ptp gf in May '09, 13 ran.
Out To Impress (IRE) 66-1 (10-9) Behind, lost touch 6f out, tailed off, last of 8, well behind Oscar Papa (11-2) at Plumpton 2m 2f NH flat (6) sft in Apr.
Cubism 25-1 (10-5) Keen hold, held up, last and struggling 6th, soon tailed off, blundered 3 out, pulled up before next, in a race won by Hellfire Club (11-0) at Ascot 2m 3f mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr, 12 ran.
Gulf President 5-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 5th, went 2nd after 3 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 28l behind Barizan (11-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) gf in Aug.
Mid Wicket (USA) 8-1 (10-6) Held up disputing 4th, headway to 3rd before 6th, led 3 out, ridden and joined 2 out, headed before last, kept on after last until no extra final 100 yards, 2nd of 11, 2 1/4l behind Via Galilei (11-0) at Plumpton 2m mdn hdl (5) gf in Apr.
Navajo Nation (IRE) 16-1 (10-2) Keen, led up in touch, headway after 3 out, chased leading pair 2 out, went 2nd before last, no impression, 2nd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Brandy Butter (10-4) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f sell hdl (5) gd in Apr.
Blue Eyed Eloise 16-1 (10-5) In touch, effort when hit 2nd last, soon no extra, 4th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Mexican Bob (11-4) at Huntingdon 2m nh nov hdl (3) gd in Oct '07.
Pursuit of Purpose 150-1 (10-4) Always towards rear, blundered 2nd, behind from 6th, tailed off, 11th of 14, well behind Mayberry (10-13) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
