mid-division, ridden 7f out, weakened over 4f out
in touch, chased winner over 6f out, ridden and lost 2nd over 2f out, stayed on one pace after
took keen hold, held up, headway 6f out, chased winner over 2f out, soon ridden and no impression
in touch, ridden over 5f out, weakened over 3f out
mid-division, headway 7f out, weakened over 4f out
chased winner, reminder 9f out, lost 2nd over 6f out, hung right on bend 2f out entering straight, one pace
mid-division, ridden along 8f out, soon struggling and lost place
made all, drew clear final 2f, easily
mid-division, headway 7f out, weakened over 4f out
The market should be noted in the finale with so many newcomers in attendance, but I'msingingtheblues is taken to make a winning start at the expense of Mr Merlot, with Jerseyman and That's Confidential also worth a mention. The last-named, That's Confidential, has the edge in experience of those put forward, having been sent off as favourite on his Huntingdon bow three weeks ago. He failed to pick up on the soft ground when asked to quicken in the straight, but was a pleasing third nevertheless, and if the ground dries out, it is not hard to see him taking a hand in the finish. However, it seldom pays to leave a Paul Nicholls newcomer out of calculations in these events, and we shall rely on I'msingingtheblues to oblige. The son of Pistolet Bleu is owned by John Hales, and although a relatively cheap purchase at 18,000gns, is sure to know the score. Mr Merlot was even cheaper to purchase at 4,000gns, but his trainer definitely knows the time of day, and any support in the ring should be heeded. Jerseyman should make up into a nice hurdler, while Helens Vision has been off since continuing her learning curve at Warwick in November. Nothing stands out, but I'msingingtheblues need not be anything special so is the pick.
