held up tracking leaders but wide, led 7f out, headed narrowly 4f out, led again over 2f out, ridden when headed over 1f out, faded
held up rear, ridden over 3f out, not quicken
held up in touch, effort over 2f out to chase leaders, ridden when switched right over 1f out, weakened
dwelt, soon led, headed 7f out, narrow leader 4f out, ridden when headed over 2f out, weakened quickly
prominent and keen, led on bit over 1f out, shaken up soon after, all out when headed last stride
held up rear, switched left over 1f out, ridden and stayed on well to lead last stride
tracked leaders and keen, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out
Pulau Tioman, with conditions now in his favour, can score at the expense of Serieux and Prince Nuryev. The latter is worth a mention as he has not had the best of luck, picking up an injury in the Vodafone Derby and then having the misfortune to run into the useful Hawk Flyer here next time. The drop back in trip is not seen as a problem and he is expected to go close. Serieux was down the field in the Royal Hunt Cup but had earlier won a conditions race over a mile at the Berkshire track, and if hold-up tactics are employed, he can play a major part, although Amanda Perrett's charge does have to give weight all round. However, with the ground easing due to the recent rain, we feel it is worth taking a chance on Pulau Tioman. The oldest horse in the line-up, he has finally come down the weights and won his his first race in two years when scoring at Beverley the time before last. He performs much better in small fields rather than the hustle and bustle of large turnouts, and with the Michael Jarvis team in good order, Pulau Tioman gets the vote.
