Guru, My World, Ilabon and Irish Wolf look the principals in this competitive handicap hurdle and the vote is given to Guru. The selection was a fair second on his first run of the season behind Caracciola that form looks rock solid in the context off this race and off the same mark here he will be hard to beat. My World rates the main danger on his latest win over Di's Dilema but he has risen sharply in the weights and this looks more competitive so he is passed over on this occasion. Ilabon is another worthy of respect on his latest second behind Noble Calling especially as the drop in trip looks to be in his favour. Hatteras looks out classed and for the winner we return to Guru.
Guru 11-4jt-fav (10-7) Took keen hold, tracked leader, ridden to challenge 2 out, every chance approaching last, not quicken flat, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Caracciola (11-9) at Lingfield 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (C) sft in Oct.
Irish Wolf (FR) 25-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, chased leader approaching 3 out, mistake and every chance 2 out, stayed on under pressure to lead flat, won at Huntingdon 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gd beating Di's Dilemma (10-1) by 1l, 14 ran.
My World (FR) 6-1 (11-2) Always in rear, 5th of 7, 41l behind Genghis (11-12) at Chepstow 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Mar.
Ilabon (FR) 8-11fav (11-10) Held up rear, rapid headway from 7th, ridden to lead approaching 3 out, headed approaching last, no extra, 2nd of 12, 8l behind Noble Calling (11-6) at Exeter 2m 6f amt nov hdl (F) gf in Apr '04.
Hatteras (FR) 50-1 (10-5) Made most, ridden and headed 2 out, soon weakened, 4th of 11, 11l behind Cold Turkey (10-12) at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (D) gs.
