tracked leaders in 3rd, slight mistake 1st, went 2nd 2 out and soon ridden, challenged approaching last where not fluent, hung left under pressure run-in and no impression in 3rd
tracked leader in 2nd, slight mistake 1st, led 8th, not fluent 2 out, ridden and challenged approaching last, headed run-in and soon no impression on winner, eased close home
led, headed 8th, ridden approaching 2 out and dropped to 4th, soon no extra, weakened
held up in 4th, slight mistake 8th, closer in 3rd 2 out, switched right before last and ridden to lead run-in, kept on well to assert closing stages
SOLWHIT, who kept running into Hurricane Fly over the minimum distance, stepped up to this trip at Cheltenham and Aintree and proved himself a real star. He couldn't handle Gemix in the French Champion Hurdle but had Zaidpour behind and there appears no reason why the positions should be reversed. They should fill the first two places though Rule The World could spoil the party as he's having only his second start over the trip and was by no means fading when runner-up to The New One over 2m5f at Cheltenham in March. Mala Beach has been running very well over 2m4f so it's possible he could be even better at this trip but Whatuthink looks outclassed.
Mala Beach (IRE) 5-2 (11-7) Tracked leader in 2nd, headway to dispute 3 out and mistake next, soon led and challenged last, headed run-in, kept on same pace under pressure but no impression on winner, 2nd of 5, 1 3/4l behind Dedigout (11-12) at Navan 2m 4f hdl G2 (1) in Nov.
Rule The World 10-3 (11-10) Chased clear leader in 3rd, closer in 4th 3 out, no extra from next, slight mistake last, 4th of 5, 16l behind Jezki (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hdl G1 (1).
Whatuthink (IRE) 50-1 (11-3) Close up, hit 2nd, ridden along and lost place after 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Jennies Jewel (10-11) at Navan 2m 4f hcp hdl, 16 ran.
Zaidpour (FR) 9-1 (11-10) Chased clear leader in 2nd, mistakes, closer 3 out, ridden in 3rd early straight and no impression before last, went 2nd run-in and kept on one pace under pressure, 2nd of 5, 1 3/4l behind Jezki (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hdl G1 (1).
Solwhit (FR) 5-4fav (10-10) 2nd of 14, 8l behind Gemix (10-5) at Auteuil(FR) 3m 1f hdl G1 (1) hvy in Jun.
