led until 5th, ridden after 3 out, weakened 2 out
always going well, led 5th, clear approaching last, easily
chased leaders until 4th, soon behind, tailed off
held up, behind from 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
with leader, reminders approaching 5th, hard ridden after 3 out, every chance 2 out, weakened approaching last
Bill Brown looks to have been found a suitable opportunity to open his account and is taken to do so at the main expense of Welsh Dane and Bounce Again. The selection is no world-beater but ran an encouraging race on his return at Warwick in December when six-and-a-half lengths behind Buffalo Bill. Robin Dickin's gelding can race off the same mark today and a reproduction of his latest effort should suffice. Bounce Back's half-brother Bounce Again receives weight away all round and Martin Pipe's gelding cannot be ruled out entirely but may do better when upped in trip and sent chasing. Neither Ballards Boy nor Hayley's Pearl have given little sign of encouragement this term and a bigger threat may come from Welsh Dane. The five-year-old has shown signs of ability and has to be respected but he needs to improve to trouble the selection Bill Brown, who has an obvious chance.
