mid-division, outpaced 3 out, weakened next
held up towards rear, smooth headway on inside after 3 out, ridden next, went 2nd last, kept on, held near finish
mid-division, headway 3 out, effort next, ridden and one pace approaching last
mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden to lead before last, kept on
chased leaders to 3 out, soon behind, pulled up before next
mid-division, ridden 2 out, never on terms
chased leaders, hampered 4th, weakened approaching 2 out
mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden to chase leaders next, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, left in lead 4th, headed 6th, weakened approaching 2 out
close up on iside, led 6th, ridden and headed before last, no extra flat
mid-division, ridden and kept on from 2 out, never trouble leaders
always behind
raced keenly in mid-division, outpaced after 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before next
held up behind, never dangerous
hit 1st, not jump well and always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
tracked leader until carried out 4th
Carrietau gets a tentative vote over European Dream, with Poker De Sivola and stablemates Abbondanza and Gettysburg worth a mention. There is quite a large turnout for the very first race of Wetherby's new jumps season, and with plenty having been in action on the Flat during the summer, it is not going to be easy nominating the winner. We shall plump for experience over potential in the shape of Carrietau who was a fair second at Kelso 10 days ago on what was his second outing over timber. A maiden on the level, he is unlikely to make it to the top over hurdles either, but connections will be disappointed if he is not found a suitable opening soon before the better juveniles emerge. European Dream was far from fluent on his hurdles bow at Bangor and has since finished down the field at York at the weekend. His ability to last out a true two miles is open to question as well. Howard Johnson saddles two runners, with Brian Hughes taking weight off Abbondanza who was rated 86 on the Flat, while Paddy Brennan gets the leg up on Gettysburg who was rated far lower and who will probably need further. Poker De Sivola could be anything, and any support for the French import would be interesting, but our vote goes to Carrietau.
Carrietau 7-1 (10-10) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, soon ridden and effort, stayed on to go 2nd flat, no impression on winner, 2nd of 10, 5l behind Dubai Around (10-10) at Kelso 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd.
English City (IRE) 16-1 (10-5) Towards rear, headway under pressure 3 out, no extra 2 out, 6th of 10, 13l behind Dubai Around (10-10) at Kelso 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd.
European Dream (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden to chase winner and hit 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 11, 6l behind Freeze The Flame (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) gf in Sept.
Gettysburg (IRE) 16-1 (8-2) Dwelt, soon mid-division, ridden over 2f out, no impression approaching final furlong, 7th of 15, 10l behind Sa Nau (8-10) at Newcastle 2m 3yo hcp (5) gd in Sept (Flat).
Inchdhuaig (IRE) 14-1 (8-4) Mid-division, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong, no impression on leading pair, 3rd of 16, 3l behind Roman History (8-7) at Redcar 1m 2f sll hcp (6) gf in Sept (Flat).
Mister Fizzbomb (IRE) 14-1 (10-5) Mid-division, lost place 4th, no danger after, 5th of 11, 32l behind Freeze The Flame (10-12) at Bangor 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) gf in Sept.
Poker De Sivola (FR) (9-13) Prominent, kept on, 4th of 17, 4 1/2l behind Lou Flight (9-13) at Enghien 2m hdl in Apr.
Abbondanza (IRE) 66-1 (8-4) Prominent and keen, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, eased over 1f out, 16th of 17, 49l behind Topatoo (8-9) at York 1m 2f hcp 0-105 (2) gs in Aug (Flat).
