took keen hold, not fluent, chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, ridden 4 out, kept on to go 2nd 2 out, no chance with winner
held up and keen, ridden when pecked 3 out, kept on one pace
jumped right, made all, ridden clear after 3 out, comfortably
chased winner to 2 out, soon weakened
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before last
A multi-national feel to the opener and, with the ground being an imponderable for a few at this stage, it may be best to side with Selvas, who is preferred over Vitelli and French newcomer Green Prospect, who is respected but may find the underfoot conditions a little bit lively for his British debut. The Polish-bred Joung Islander travelled well for a long way on his first outing for Tom George and gave the impression that he has a race within him somewhere along the line. However, Selvas, who finished fifth in the German St Leger when trained by Peter Schiergen, put in a pleasing first run over hurdles when winning at Ascot in March - easily accounting for the likes of Croix De Guerre when push came to shove. Admittedly he will have to improve on that effort to keep Vitelli at bay once things start to hot up today but, as Tony McCoy steps in for the ride today, the selection will have no excuses in defeat.
