Racecards
13:35 Wetherby
Wetherby Steeplechases Sponsorship Club Novices' Handicap Chase (Class D)
- 4 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Heavy (Heavy in places)
- Form 13143-3
- Age 5
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer M & D Easterby
- Jockey R McGrath
in rear, headway to go 3rd 7th, hit 3 out, blundered 2 out and soon pulled up
- Form 01P2P-2
- Age 6
- Weight 11-10
- Trainer G & J Moore
- Jockey W Marston
made all, ridden approaching 4 out, kept on flat
- Form 231330-
- Age 7
- Weight 11-2
- Trainer E James
- Jockey J R Kavanagh
chased winner throughout, ridden 4 out, every chance flat, no extra
Red Minster
21- Form 000-00
- Age 5
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer N Mason
- Jockey Mr L McGrath
chased leaders in 3rd, pushed along 5 out, ridden and reminders next, no impression from next
In depth
Verdict
Just four runners in what looks a tough handicap on paper, but Silver Socks has TEAMtalk's money. This five-year-old's the sole distance winner in the race and finished fifth on his chasing bow around this course just over a fortnight ago, when he clearly needed the run. He won twice over hurdles in his 2001/02 campaign and has plenty of experience of the course. He also goes well with his jockey, Richard McGrath. Sir Storm made a pleasing debut on soft ground at Bangor recently, where he was only beaten nine lengths by the classy Vol Solitaire. He is a fairly consistent performer for his yard and he could cause a real upset if he has improved for his first chasing experience. Sunshine Leader was a useful and consistent hurdler, who makes his chasing debut in this race. If his enthusiasm for jumping has transferred to the bigger obstacles, he could be an interesting prospect for the future, but is not fancied on this first attempt. Red Minster is clearly outclassed in this race, without even a hurdles success to his credit, he has been well-beaten in all his races to date and is not fancied to go any better here.