towards rear, mistake 2nd, tailed off when blundered 4 out
led to 4th, remained close up, outpaced after 4 out
close up, led 4th, blundered and headed 7th, outpaced 4 out, rallied 3 out, led 2 out, kept on
in touch, pushed along approaching 4 out, ridden and weakened before next
keen early, headway and in touch 6th, ridden and weakened after 4 out, poor 6th when fell 3 out
held up towards rear, headway 8th to track leaders, ridden and weakened after 4 out, behind when pulled up before 3 out
tracked leaders, headway to join leaders 7th, every chance 4 out, weakening when blundered next
in touch, dropped rear 6th, soon lost touch
behind, tailed off from halfway
towards rear, pushed along 4 out, kept on one pace from 3 out, no impression on leaders
tracked leaders, led 7th, blundered and headed 2 out, one pace under pressure
A modest start to the Wetherby card can go to Sportsman, who edges a narrow vote over Quainton Hills, Mickey Croke and Sweet Auburn. The majority of the remainder do not look to be anything out of the ordinary and this is unlikely to be the strongest heat for each-way players to nick a bit of value. Therefore, it may pay to stick with the Mick Easterby-trained Sportsman, who improved steadily last season, despite not getting his head in front when it really mattered. The Easterby team are as shrewd as they come with runners in events of this type and the hint should be taken if the selection is given the thumbs up from the pre-race betting. Mickey Croke has a little to prove after failing to complete in two of his last three outings so the more experienced Quainton Hills could be the one to give Sportsman the most to do.
