mid-division, pushed along over 4f out, weakened well over 3f out
held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, ridden and kept on final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden and headway over 2f out, no extra inside final furlong
tracked leader, led over 4f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
led, early reminders, headed over 4f out, soon ridden and weakened
tracked leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, held on well, driven out
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, no impression from over 1f out
held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, never a factor
SIMPLE JIM was David O'Meara's first winner as a trainer when successful over course and distance last month and he can defy a 5lb rise for that win in this less competitive event with the main dangers rated as Hurlingham and Zefooha. Tim Walford's mare was only beaten a length by the selection here in May and is now 7lbs better in with the selection so she has solid claims but has not been seen since that run and Simple Jim has improved since then so may be able to come out on top once more. Everaard has found one too good in his last two starts over hurdles and would have chances if able to reproduce that form back on the flat, while Tim Easterby's Smugglers Bay disappointed at Ripon last time after two encouraging first runs this term and now looks best watched. Mick Easterby's Hurlingham showed improved form when stepped up to 1m4f at Thirsk last time and has to be considered stepping up further in distance but Simple Jim is in good heart at present and he looks the most likely to come out on top.
Everaard (USA) 50-1 (10-5) In touch, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 15th of 17, 24l behind Blue Spinnaker (10-2) at Doncaster 1m 2f am hcp (0-70) (4yo+) (5) gs in Mar.
Simple Jim (FR) 15-8 (9-3) Held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, led approaching final furlong, soon ridden, held on well, driven out, won at Redcar 1m 6f hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Jun beating Ocean Bright (8-1) by 1 1/4l, 11 ran.
Smugglers Bay (IRE) 10-1 (8-7) Mid-division, ridden over 2f out, never able to challenge, 5th of 11, 11l behind Miss Keck (9-1) at Ripon 2m hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Jun.
Zefooha (FR) 9-1 (9-4) Led to halfway, pushed along over 3f out, led over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra, 3rd of 11, 1 1/4l behind Simple Jim (8-13) at Redcar 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in May.
Banquet (IRE) 10-1 (8-12) Led, reminders 6f out, headed over 3f out and remained in touch, switched right and ran on to regain lead over 1f out, kept on gamely, won at Catterick 1m 4f 3yo hcp (6) gd in Aug '08 beating Ambrose Princess (8-10) by 1l, 11 ran.
Amir Pasha (UAE) 9-2 (9-0) Went right start, in touch, ridden 3f out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Tillietudlem (9-3) at Thirsk 2m app hcp 0-60 (6) gf in Jun.
What A Day 6-1 (10-6) In touch, ridden 2f out, edged right entering final furlong, one pace, 4th of 12, 6l behind City Stable (10-5) at Warwick 1m 5f am hcp 0-60 (6) gd in Jun.
Obara d'Avril (FR) 33-1 (8-0) Held up towards rear, weakened 4f out, 8th of 11, 10l behind Simple Jim (8-13) at Redcar 1m 6f hcp 0-65 (6) gf in May.
Hurlingham 3-1fav (8-7) Mid-division, pushed along over 3f out, headway under pressure over 2f out, stayed on inside final urlong, not able to challenge, 4th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Hel's Angel (9-2) at Thirsk 1m 4f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Jun.
Ferney Boy 12-1 (9-6) Held up in rear, effort over 3f out, ridden and weakened over 2f out, 7th of 10, 25l behind Jeu De Roseau (8-7) at Newcastle 2m hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jun.
