held up in touch, went 3rd from 3 out, weakening when stumbled 2 out
chased leader, pushed along and not fluent 4th, ridden approaching 2 out, led approaching last, stayed on
always behind, ridden and mistake 5th, soon lost place
led, ridden approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, one pace
Metaphoric has the edge on ratings and is the one to beat despite not progressing as one would have hoped at the start of the season. A smart flat performer, he has shown signs of temperment in the past but battled in game fashion to win going away. Last seen in the Fred Winter, he ran respectably when finishing fifth in an above average renewal, on ground that rode pretty dead for the finale on the opening day of the Cheltenham festival. He had some smart sorts behind him in the Fred Winter and should possess too much class for these. How's Business is put forward to chase Metaphoric home. Charlie Manns' filly disappointed at Towcester where the testing conditions, around the a course that requires reserves of stamina appeared to be her undoing. The form of her debut was given a boost during the week when the second, Sharp Dresser won at Taunton. Hello Nod has failed to get involved in better company in his last two outings. His failure to settle appears to be the reason for his lack of stamina and for that reason he is passed over. Metaphoric has reached the level that most would have hoped in the juvenile ranks to date but should have too many gears for these.
Hello Nod 5-1 (10-8) Steadied start, raced keenly and held up towards rear, headway 4 out, ridden next, kept on same pace, 4th of 14, 24l behind Lazy Darren (10-13) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Metaphoric (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) Prominent, shuffled back after 2nd, headway approaching 2 out, weakened before hit last, 5th of 22, 26l behind Crack Away Jack (11-10) at Cheltenham 2m lst hcp hdl (1) gs in Mar.
Bowman's Boy (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Towards rear, never dangerous, 11th of 13, well behind Quick Will (10-5) at Kelso 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
How's Business 15-8 (10-12) Tracked leaders, pulled hard, not fluent 5th, ridden after 3 out, no impression before 2 out, 2nd of 4, 10l behind Riguez Dancer (11-0) at Towcester 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Hum The Tune 33-1 (10-12) Mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out, 12th of 14, 40l behind Arctic Wings (10-12) at Newbury 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
