chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up in touch, ridden and effort over 2f out, kept on final furlong
close up, ridden and lost touch over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, no impression
in touch, pushed along halfway, soon ridden, kept on under pressure final furlong, not reached winner
made all, ridden over 2f out, edged badly left inside final furlong, kept on well
held up, headway halfway, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
towards rear, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, never on terms
in touch until halfway, ridden over 2f out, weakened entering final furlong
in rear and soon outpaced, ridden and headway over 2f out, ran on well final furlong, nearest finish
The race has cut up a little from the five-day stage but this has by no means assisted the punters in a trappy opener. The weights are headed by Henry Hall. He looks to be heading back to some assemblance of form but any further rain will not help him. Tommy Smith, from local trainer, John Wainwright has been in winning form but he too will not be assisted by any moisture and needs to dominate in order to be at his best. Lower numbers tend to be favoured when the rain gets into the track and Paddywack looks to have the right credentials to figure. He appears a much more viable betting proposition over 5f and Tony Culhane will be keen to impress after his recent endeavours. Ptarmigan Ridge is also worth a mention at big odds but his stable's form is hardly anything to enthuse over. The market will give a clue as to the well being of the two David Nicholls runners.