held up, ridden approaching 9th, headway out after 4 out, stayed on well approaching last, nearest finish
with leader, led approaching 7th, blundered badly and headed 4 out, soon ridden, rallied to lead approaching 2 out, ridden out
held up, ridden approaching 8th, stayed on from 4 out, never on terms
led at good pace, headed approaching 7th, weakening when mistake 4 out
held up in rear, headway 6th, went 2nd approaching 9th, led on bit 4 out, headed approaching 2 out, fell
Quite a competitive little heat this one, with only Venn Ottery one to put a big black line through, but we will side with Master Henry to get the better of some other exposed types in Flahive's First, Moon Glow and New Bird. The selection ran well enough here in June before scoring decisively at Perth next time and then looking exposed at Market Rasen last time. However, he would surely have finished closer there had it not been for a blunder and he can make amends here against others who look less scopey. Flahive's First is back over arguably his best trip here and jumps well, but keeps going up in the weights without winning and the same may well occur here. It is over two years since New Bird last won a race, but he has run pretty well lately since dropping down the weights at last. However, his best chance for the time being could have gone after he was short headed close home last time out, and has again gone back up 5lb since. Nevertheless he can go well. Meanwhile, it's usually a long time between drinks for Moon Glow, who is consistent if nothing else, and won over course and distance three starts ago. However, top weight will surely be enough to anchor him again at the moment and we will pass him over in favour of Master Henry.
