held up in touch, mistake 11th, headway approaching 4 out, ridden and weakened quickly next
tracked winner, effort 2 out, one pace under pressure
held up in rear, headway when mistake 3 out, ridden and one pace from next
held up in rear, mistake 15th, headway and effort 2 out, soon one pace
tracked leaders, ridden and effort 2 out, weakened run-in
made all, clear to halfway, stayed on strongest from 2 out
The progressive Joe Blake is given a tentative vote in this tough handicap that poses a few problems for value seekers as most of his rivals appear to be struggling with the handicapper at present. Most notably Swansea Bay, who ran as if he is starting to pay for a good campaign last year and he may need a little assistance from the assessor before he can get down to a competitive mark again. Peter Bowen's charge was comfortably held by Kock De La Vesre when they met at Uttoxeter at the start of this month and, although he may have needed the run, there is no reason to suspect he can reverse the form; even on these revised terms. Robbo is another that has form that ties in with the last named horse and appears held on Perth form - whereas Moss Harvey and Chergan have tended to find a few too good at this trip and are opposable on balance tonight. Therefore, it may be prudent to give Joe Blake another chance as he is open to more improvement than most and appears to have fewer questions to answer regarding his recent form. It is also worth noting that the Len Lungo yard are doing well at present and Joe Blake can do his bit as the Carrutherstown handler sets out to confirm his status as Scotland's leading jumps trainer once more.
