tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression approaching last
tracked leaders, not fluent 3rd, challenged 2 out, led approaching and jumped right last, kept on well
tracked leader, led 3 out, headed approaching and hit last, kept on
led, headed 3 out, in 3rd and weakening when blundered badly 2 out
held up, in rear, not fluent 1st, pushed along 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up before next, tailed off
MAGGIO is our pick in this listed contest with Najaf and History Lesson on the shortlist. Nigel Hawke's charge was in the process of running a sound race at Taunton before departing unceremoniously at the last. Trip and going are no problem and the fact he is from an unfashionable yard should ensure that we get a fair price. Najaf makes his debut for Paul Nicholls. A listed winner at Autueil, he was far from a cheap purchase at £250000 but as the Stewart and Johnson families are the owners, the maxim of two heads being better than one may well apply. History Lesson was well punted last time out. A solid ten furlong performer for Richard Hannon on the level, his breeding suggests that this trip should not be much of a bother. Johnny Mullen has been a credit to connections this term and he is set to reoppose Gifted Leader. On the face of it, both parties need to produce career best efforts in order to take this race. Maggio needs to have overcome his recent spill though he can make matchfitness count against the likely hotpot favourite.
Johnny Mullen (IRE) 6-1 (10-9) Held up, chased leaders after 3 out, challenged 2 out, led approaching last, driven out, won at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (3) hvy beating Gifted Leader (11-8) by 2 3/4l, 8 ran.
Najaf (FR) (10-5) 3rd of 11, 2l behind Rock Noir (10-5) at Auteuil(FR) 2m 3f 4yo hdl Grd 1 hvy in Nov.
Gifted Leader (USA) 2-1fav (11-8) Held up, ridden and kept on from 2 out, chased winner flat, always held, 2nd of 8, 2 3/4l behind Johnny Mullen (10-9) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (3) hvy.
Maggio (FR) 9-1 (11-5) Led until narrowly headed 7th, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, rallied to chase winner before 2 out, upsides and every chance when fell last, in a race won by Wishfull Thinking (11-11) at Taunton 2m 3f nov hdl (3) sft in Jan, 13 ran.
History Lesson 15-8fav (10-12) In rear of main group, mistake 2nd, ridden, weakened 3 out, 5th of 7, 49l behind Rougham (10-12) at Wincanton 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
