led, not fluent 9th, headed next, led narrowly after 11th, ridden and headed approachiing 4 out, mistake 3 out, soon beaten
pressed leader until 2nd, soon last, mistake when losing touch 6th, tailed off
pressed leader 2nd, mistake next, led 10th, headed narrowly after next, led approaching 4 out, clear after next, stayed on well
tracked leaders, lost touch after 11th, tailed off
GULLIBLE GORDON is preferred to Tisfreetdream. On official figures, Paul Nicholls' gelding is some way clear but he does have some reservations with regard to his jumping. That said, his presence has scared off much of the meaningful opposition and he has no issues in relation to trip or going. Tisfreetdream won a Uttoxeter hurdle on good to firm going. He is fairly exposed though is the one to prosper if the favourite makes any mistakes. Thyne Spirit and Young Yozza should endure a battle royal for third place but cannot be considered as win material with any measure of seriousness. Gullible Gordon is not as bombproof as many horses that will trade at his odds but by the same token, they are unlikely to uncover such an easy opportunity from a competitive perspective.
Gullible Gordon (IRE) 5-2 (11-4) Tracked leader, led narrowly 7th, headed after 4 out and outpaced, rallied from next, every chance last, unable to quicken flat, 2nd of 5, 2 1/4l behind Fairoak Lad (11-4) at Wincanton 3m 1f nov chs (3) gd.
Thyne Spirit (IRE) 22-1 (11-0) Held up, behind from 3rd, left poor 2nd 3 out, unseated rider last, remounted, 2nd of 3, dis behind Ballyfitz (11-0) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs (2) gd in Oct '08.
Tisfreetdream (IRE) 40-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, headway 12th, hit 14th, kept on and no impression from 3 out, 6th of 12, 14l behind Carrickmines (10-0) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd.
Young Yozza 66-1 (10-7) Held up, hampered 2nd, reminders after 5th, soon struggling, tailed off before 8th, went poor 3rd before last, 3rd of 4, well behind Picaroon (10-9) at Leicester 2m 4f beg chase (4) gd.
