led, jumped right and mistake 3rd, blundered 11th, joined by winner 3 out, ridden and headed between last 2, soon no chance with winner
hampered when left 3rd and last 1st, not fluent, fell 5th
tracked leader until fell 1st
left tracking leader 1st, left sole rival 5th, joined leader going best 3 out, shaken up to lead between last 2, soon clear, easily
Described as a "very nice prospect" by Phillip Hobbs, whose runners are in sparkling form, WISHFULL THINKING is taken to make a winning debut over fences. The seven-year-old is certainly bred to come into his own now tackling the bigger obstacles so deserves extra credit for achieving a rating of 144 over hurdles, one that could've been higher had he not fallen when travelling well in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham. He was reported to be lame following a disappointing final run here at Aintree and after a summer break should be poised to kick on. Cool Friend is a likeable mare who shouldn't be criticised for a run of seconds but she lacks the class of our selection so the biggest threat could be Adams Island, who won an Irish point-to-point and therefore should improve upon a respectable rating of 133 gained over hurdles.
Adams Island (IRE) 6-5fav (11-8) Tracked leader, led after 4 out, ridden and under pressure approaching last, headed flat, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 5, 3/4l behind Hopeful Start (11-5) at Ffos Las 3m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Galaxy Rock (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Mid-division on outside, headway 2 out, ridden to chase leaders approaching last, never on terms, 5th of 14, 14l behind Picture This (10-3) at Cheltenham 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gd in Apr.
Wishfull Thinking 4-1fav (11-6) In touch, took keen hold, mistake 1st, not fluent 4th, weakened after 3 out, 10th of 22, 24l behind Sir Harry Ormesher (11-1) at Aintree 2m 4f Listed hcp hdl (1) gd in Apr.
Cool Friend (IRE) 9-4fav (10-7) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, headed approaching next, kept on towards finish, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind Tara Royal (11-0) at Haydock 2m 4f beg chase (3) gd in May.
