chased leader to over 3f out, weakened over 2f out
chased leaders, pushed along 4f out, one pace final 2f
led at decent pace, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon no chance with winner
held up in rear, plugged on final 2f, no chance
chased leaders, ridden approaching 3f out, one pace and no impression final 2f
held up in 6th, ridden and weakened over 4f out, tailed off
held up in seventh, dropped to rear and struggling final 7f, tailed off
always in rear, ridden over 5f out, soon struggling, tailed off
in touch, headway to track leading pair over 4f out, went second over 3f out, led approaching 2f out, soon edging right, in command over 1f out and ran on well
WESTERN LEADER was an impressive winner last time out at Limerick and with no ground concerns he is nominated ahead of the other winners Abbey M'Boy and Jau and also the promising pair of Russian Song and Vino Griego. This looks to have the makings of a good bumper with several interesting newcomers to look closely at, including Take It Easy, Four Strong Winds (half-brother to Crocodiles Rock) and Peachey Moment (half-brother to the useful bumper horse Theatrical Moment). However Western Leader is nominated, with his owner once again taking the ride. Barry Connell's gelding was an impressive winner on Boxing Day at Limerick and the bumper form in Ireland tends to stack up better than on these shores. Jau was a winner at Wincanton and this son of Kayf Tara made a good impression, whilst Abbey M'Boy tasted success at Hereford but was then fairly well-held under his penalty next time; that form does read well it must be said though. Russian Song is a half brother to bumper winner Joker's Legacy and this track may suit more than Warwick last time, whilst Vino Griego caught the eye in a Junior race last time and is interesting with the weight-for-age allowance today as he steps up in trip. A fascinating finish to a wonderful day's racing and it is Western Leader who is taken to oblige.
Abey M'Boy 6-1 (11-9) Tracked leader, every chance over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong, 3rd of 16, 6l behind Burton Port (11-2) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) sft in Dec.
Jau 33-1 (11-2) Mid-division, headway to lead 5f out, ridden and headed 3f out, hard ridden and rallied to lead well inside final furlong, gamely, won at Wincanton 2m nhf (5) gs in Dec beating King's Legacy (11-2) by 2l, 17 ran.
Western Leader (IRE) 6-4fav (11-6) won at Limerick 2m nhf sft in Dec beating Kilburn Lass (11-2) by 15l, 18 ran.
Four Strong Winds (IRE) Heron Island gelding out of That's The Bonus.
Russian Song (IRE) 10-1 (11-4) Mid-division, hampered and lost place on bend after 5f, ridden 3f out, stayed on from 2f out, 4th of 11, 5l behind Roman Conquest (11-1) at Wincanton 2m nhf (5) hvy in Jan.
Takeiteasyjack (IRE) Beneficial gelding out of Statoqueen.
Valemount (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Held up, ridden over 2f out, stayed on one pace final furlong, 5th of 17, 30l behind Jau (11-2) at Wincanton 2m nhf (5) gs in Dec.
Miss Totnes 14-1 (10-6) Held up, headway 5f out, every chance 3f out, ridden 2f out, not quicken, 7th of 11, 13l behind Roman Conquest (11-1) at Wincanton 2m nhf (5) hvy in Jan.
Vino Griego (FR) 9-1 (10-12) With leaders, chased winner from over 2f out, stayed on same pace under pressure inside final furlong, 2nd of 18, 1l behind Zazamix (10-12) at Newbury 1m 4f 4yo nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Peachey Moment (USA) Stormin Fever gelding out of Given Moment.
