held up in touch, headway to dispute lead after 8th, weakened 12th, soon beaten
made all, ridden approaching 4 out, staying on when blundered last, kept on flat
tracked winner, ridden 12th, soon one pace, blundered 2nd last
tracked leaders, blundered 4th, lost place halfway, weakening when fell 10th
behind and mistakes, weakened from 10th, soon beaten
Raymond Anderson Green's colours have enjoyed particular success at this track and we will side with Curly Spencer in our opener. The horse has not achieved all that was expected of him in his earlier days but is nevertheless a relatively safe conveyance. He showed well for a long way on his seasonal return at Carlisle and the effect of that run should have sharpened him up nicely for this. Hallyards Gael won a hurdles contest over further on a return from a couple of months off the track. He seems happy whether forcing the pace or sitting behind the leaders. Today's shorter trip may catch him out today. Young Whack was a fair chaser in Ireland for Noel Meade. Now in the care of Howard Johnson, it would be interesting if there were significant market support. On all his Irish evidence, there look to be few problems with ground or trip. Carrick Troop, on the other hand, has severe negatives on both scores despite dropping down the handicap. Premier Drive has struggled since making transition from novice-company and will still need to come down a few pounds before we get involved. In a difficult opener, Curly Spencer is given our vote.
