tracked leaders, every chance 2 out, weakened approaching last
led, headed 3 out, soon weakened
held up in touch, led 3 out, clear last, eased flat
in rear, struggling after 4 out
with leader, blundered 3rd, weakened 4 out
tracked leaders, lost place approaching 4 out, tailed off when pulled up 2 out
held up, ridden to go poor 3rd approaching 2 out, never dangerous
GOOD OLD THYME can end a case of seconditis here, and heads our shortlist, which also includes Viva Colonia and Finlay. The selection is making his debut here and for Dr Newland, having previously been racing exclusively in Ireland, with five places in 14 runs. A change of scenery could bring about a change in fortune to break his maiden tag, after running consistently well but always finding something too good for him. Viva Colonia was well beaten at this level last time out after winning a lesser event previously. However, he was carrying a penalty that day and was reported to have finished the race distressed. Today he gives weight away all round. Finlay was just out of the frame on his hurdles' debut, but looks like there's some improvement to come, and if that's today it could be enough to land the spoils. However we think it could be a good time for Good Old Thyme.
Viva Colonia (IRE) 2-1 (11-5) Raced keenly, held up, improved to go 2nd after 7th, challenging when impeded between last 2, no extra flat, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Stopped Out (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gf in Oct.
Finlay 14-1 (11-0) In touch, took good hold, ridden after 3 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 13, 23l behind Emperor Concerto (11-0) at Worcester 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gs in Oct.
Good Old Thyme (IRE) 9-4fav (11-4) Chased leaders, 5th after 3 out, ridden into moderate 2nd next, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 2nd of 15, 4l behind Darceys Dancer (11-4) at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mdn hdl gd in Oct.
Barlin Bay 125-1 (10-5) In rear, not fluent 1st, lost touch after 3rd, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Zafar (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Aug, 10 ran.
Lady Wyndham 50-1 (10-7) Held up, weakened approaching 3 out, 10th of 15, 37l behind Asturienne (10-10) at Towcester 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
Late For Class (IRE) 100-1 (10-4) Held up mid-division, headway 3f out, went 3rd well over 1f out, one pace, 3rd of 14, 24l behind King Of The Night (11-0) at Stratford 2m NH flat (6) gf in Sep.
Somerset Rose 66-1 (10-2) Mid-division, ridden after 6th, weakened 3 out, tailed off, 8th of 11, well behind Present Gesture (10-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 6f mrs nov hdl (4) gf in Mar.
Wall Of Silence (IRE) 20-1 (11-3) Mid-division, 9th before straight, soon no impression, 12th of 15, well behind Bale O'shea (10-10) at Naas 2m hcp hdl 8Evens02 sft in Oct.
