led after first furlong, disputed lead until led 12f out, ridden 4f out, 3 lengths clear 3f out, headed 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up towards rear, never troubled leaders
led first furlong, chased clear leaders after, ridden 4f out, weakened and eased over 1f out
held up midfield, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on to take 3rd inside final furlong
chased leaders, went 3rd over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
held up, some headway over 2f out, ridden and soon weakened
disputed lead after first furlong to 12f out, chased leader after, ridden 5f out, weakened over 2f out
held up, switched left and headway over 2f out, stayed on to 2nd inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden and headway over 2f out, weakened final furlong
steadied start, held up in rear, ridden and headway 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, not reach leaders
held up, headway to go 2nd 4f out, ridden and led 2f out, ran on
tracked leaders, ridden 4f out, weakened over 2f out
Another competitive contest for this valuable prize. Mark Johnston has yet to get his team into full swing so it may pay to overlook the useful Mana D'Argent. Winning hurdler Fortune Island, has a maiden victory on the All-Weather to his name and doesn't look badly treated on that effort. However, he is by Turtle Island and may prefer to get his toe in. Bosham Mill is a frustrating customer. Now with Ian Williams, he has more talent than he cares to show, but it is interesting that he comes here as he did have a few entires over hurdles including at Cheltenham and Aintree. Lightly raced on the flat, Gulf is open to plenty of improvement. He failed on his only attempt at this trip, albeit in the Group 3 Queen's Vase, where he failed to settle. Now another year older he may be capable of better and is given the vote. Stablemate First Ballot may provide the biggest threat. He failed to build on his defeat of Warrsan, off this mark at Newmarket last year and it could be that he is better caught fresh. Taffrail is only 3lbs higher than when successful at Ponterfract last year and if wound up for this return to action, is another who should go well.
