led, headed after 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching next, tailed off
chased leader, challenged 3 out, soon led, ridden approaching next, headed approaching last, kept on one pace
took keen hold, soon tracking leaders, ridden to chase leaders approaching 2 out, led approaching last, kept on
held up in rear, pushed along approaching 8th, weakened next, soon tailed off
This is a tricky race, and a modest one overall, and we'll select Howaboys Quest ahead of Billy Two Rivers. The selection has at least got some winning form, having already scored from a mark of 80. He is now rated 90 following some respectable efforts in defeat and, with his rider taking six pounds off his back, he really ought to be competitive in this modest race. Much as Billy Two Rivers' overall form is hardly inspiring, he has run reasonably well on the odd occasion and, at five years of age, should have some improvement to come. Recently fitted with cheekpieces, his last two efforts have hinted at some ability and, to be fair, he would not have to be the sharpest tool in the form shed to win this contest. Fifteen Reds won from an eight-pound higher mark two years ago and ran fairly well at Sedgefield in May of last year, but his last five efforts have hardly been inspiring. Lucky Nomad was third in an amateur handicap on August 6 but was well beaten at Newton Abbot on Saturday. With Esp Hill yet to make the frame over hurdles, and the chaser Atomic Breeze yet race over them, the wheel spins us back to Howaboys Quest, who gets the call.
