led to 3rd, chased leaders, hit 6th, outpaced 3 out, soon beaten
chased leaders, headway to dispute lead 4 out, every chance next, ridden 2 out, weakened flat
held up in rear, good headway throughout, chased leaders next, ridden and stayed on well to lead flat, held on towards finish
prominent, lead third, ridden and headed flat, no extra
mid-division, headway after fourth, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened after next
behind, headway throughout, ridden and kept on well from 2 out, ran on well flat, just failed
never better than mid-division
soon behind, never dangerous
held up towards rear, headway approaching 2 out, soon ridden, kept on one pace approached last, never troubled leaders
raced keenly, chased leaders, ridden and effort 2 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
in touch, dispute lead 3rd, mistake 5th, weakened from 3 out
behind, outpaced throughout, ridden and stayed on under pressure from 2 out, nearest finish
behind when visor slipped and pulled up after 3rd
chased leaders until lost place fifth, soon behind
Another Dude has claims on his best but Howard Johnson's gelding has not shown that for some time and, unless he comes back better following a break, this can go to Friedhelmo, who is taken to make the most of the weight that he receives form Petrula. The last mentioned seems to be in the grip of the handicapper having been raised 10lbs since his win at Wetherby on Boxing Day, certainly if his latest effort at the same venue is to be believed. Malcolm Jefferson's Calatagan is gradually coming back to a fair mark but is another that seems a touch high in the weights at present and of more interest may be Tim Easterby's Witch's Brew, especially now that her stable is back among the winners. A similar comment applies to Sue Bradburne's Bodfari Signet, while Richard Guest's All Rock Hard should not be discounted. The vote though goes to Friedhelmo, who was formerly trained by Venetia Williams and showed his best form since joining the stable of Richard Fahey when a close fourth behind Baby Gee at Catterick. Although just behind Witch's Brew that day, there are solid reason's for believing that the German-bred gelding can reverse that form as he was having his first start since September. Provided that he does step up on Catterick form, Friedhelmo may prove to be too good for his rivals.
