held up, mistake 3rd, headway after 7th, weakened after 2 out
chased leaders, not fluent 6th, weakened approaching 2 out
took keen hold, held up, ridden after 7th, soon struggling, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off
held up, jumped left 3rd, not fluent 4th, headway after 7th, not much room on inside on bend approaching 3 out and lost place, no danger after
held up, not fluent 6th, headway to chase leader when not fluent 3 out, led 2 out, edged left after last, ridden out
not fluent, led and clear until 6th, headed approaching 3 out, weakened quickly, tailed off
tracked leader, led approaching 3 out, headed 2 out, one pace
A dire contest in which The Wife's Sister secures only the most tentative nods over Optimism and Si Anthony. The fact that Graham Lee has elected to come to Uttoxeter to do 10st 1lb should give us a clue as to exactly how fancied Ginger McCain's mare is tonight. She was fourth in a very slowly run race last month but the change in the ground conditions plus a fair fifth in a novice hurdle at Bangor puts this bargain basement buy in with a serious chance. Optimism has valid claims on a run behind the well touted Blue Derby in a bumper at Taunton two years ago. This isn't the strongest of reintroductions to the racing game. Si Anthony's pedigree suggests that he was probably bred for the American dirt tracks. The trainer has had a recent winner so the market is watched. Carluccios Quest travelled well in a Bangor hurdle before capsizing with four to take. The Muratti, Lewsher and Greencard Golf produced underwhelming efforts in recent starts and are probably best watched. The Wife's Sister has an obvious chance to land first prize on this occasion.
Carluccios Quest 22-1 (10-7) Held up, went 2nd approaching 5th, led after 7th until fell 4 out in race won by Make It A Double (11-0) at Bangor 3m nov hdl (E) gs in Apr, 5 ran.
Optimism (FR) 10-1 (11-4) Tracking leaders, headway 5f out, driven 4f out, one pace final furlong, 3rd of 5, 3 1/2l behind Blue Derby (11-4) at Taunton 2m 1f nhf (H) frm in Mar '03.
Si Anthony (FR) (10-3) 2nd of 10, 1l behind Emilio (10-6) at Mar Borley 2m 1f hdl hvy in Apr '04.
The Muratti 12-1 (11-1) Not fluent, held up in last pair, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Middleham Park (10-12) at Plumpton 2m 5f nov hdl (E) gd in Mar, 9 ran.
Greencard Golf 100-1 (10-9) Held up, effort approaching 3 out, never on terms, 8th of 14, 16l behind Ma Yahab (11-4) at Ludlow 2m 4yo nov hdl (E) gd in Apr.
Lewsher 50-1 (10-4) Not fluent, led to 1st, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by At Your Request (11-8) at Ludlow 2m hdl (E) gd, 7 ran.
The Wife's Sister 11-4 (10-7) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened last, 4th of 7, 7l behind Fallout (10-4) at Exeter 2m 1f mrs nov hdl (E) hvy in Apr.
