| Course: CHEPSTOW | Race date:06/05/08 | Race time:2:40 | Runners:11 |
| Race distance:1m2f | Going:Good | Winners time:2m 15.38s |
| Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Stall | Weight | Age | RPR | OR | Odds | B High | B Ave | B Low | In run | Finished | Dist Behind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murcar | Philip Robinson | C G Cox | 8 | 8-12 | 3 | 63 | 0 | 11/4 | 1.54 | 1.34 | 1.3 | 1.01 | 1 | |
| Persian Wish | Dane O´Neill | J W Mullins | 11 | 8-12 | 3 | 59 | 0 | 100/1 | 36.92 | 31.28 | 6.7 | 1.01 | 2 | 2 |
| Princess Flame | Kylie Manser | B G Powell | 6 | 9-1 | 6 | 56 | 0 | 100/1 | 30.83 | 20.21 | 6.48 | 1.01 | 3 | 1 |
| Abstract Colours | L P Keniry | A M Balding | 9 | 8-12 | 3 | 56 | 0 | 33/1 | 8 | 6.89 | 5.38 | 1.22 | 4 | ¾ |
| Hill Of Clare | Hadden Frost | G H Jones | 12 | 9-3 | 6 | 47 | 32 | 200/1 | 109.98 | 80.81 | 18.05 | 2 | 5 | 2¼ |
| Loveofmylife | James Doyle | R M Beckett | 2 | 8-7 | 3 | 42 | 0 | 14/1 | 5.38 | 3.6 | 2.21 | 3.19 | 6 | 2 |
| Heartsanddiamonds | Jerry O´Dwyer | A W Carroll | 13 | 9-5 | 4 | 43 | 0 | 100/1 | 55.19 | 41.13 | 8 | 20 | 7 | nse |
| Asian Classic | Steve Drowne | R Charlton | 3 | 8-12 | 3 | 19 | 0 | 8/1 | 3.79 | 2.31 | 2.01 | 2.02 | 8 | 14 |
| Themwerethedays | Ryan Moore | S Kirk | 7 | 8-12 | 3 | 0 | 70 | 11/2 | 2.21 | 1.69 | 1.52 | 1.7 | 9 | 14 |
| Border Owl | Richard Hughes | R Hannon | 5 | 8-12 | 3 | 0 | 77 | 7/1 | 2.1 | 1.69 | 1.34 | 1.21 | 10 | 2¼ |
| Berry Pomeroy | Jack Dean | A G Newcombe | 1 | 8-5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 50/1 | 12.26 | 8.57 | 6.78 | 8.61 | 11 | 16 |
However, for all that this race lacked strength in depth, there was plenty to like about MURCAR, who continued his improvement with a decisive success.
Having been well-held on his debut on the Southwell Fibresand, he produced an improved effort when fourth at Pontefract last time, and confirmed that promise to get off the mark at the third time of asking, despite the steady pace probably not being to his liking.
He has a bit of size about him and Clive Cox, who is quite sweet on him, expects him to continue to improve when stepped up to 1m4f. The handicapper cannot be too hard on him and he appeals as one to keep on side.
Persian Wish had shown next to nothing on his first two starts, but this was much better. He would only have been third had Princess Flame not been denied a clear run, but this was still a big improvement. He will have more options now that he is qualified for a handicap mark and, although he has shown a bit,the handicapper cannot be very harsh.
The eye-catcher of the race was undoubtedly Princess Flame. Well off the pace early on after being very slowly into her stride, she had a wall of horses in front of her when beginning to stay on inside the final three furlongs and, kept towards the inside, was denied a clear run, before being hampered just over a furlong out. That cost her any chance she had of winning, but the way she stayed on once in the clear, without being given anything like a hard time, suggests she might have won with an uninterrupted passage.
The trainer confirmed these instructions and added that he felt the mare was one-paced and would be suited by an extended distance. Having heard the evidence, as well as a report from the veterinary officer and observations from the handicapper, the stewards' noted their explanations.
Abstract Colours, last in division two of the Wood Ditton on his debut, ran a little better stepped up in trip in this lesser contest. He is probablygoing to appreciate even further and is probably best watched until sent handicapping.
If there was any doubt, the proximity of the 32-rated Hill Of Clare confirms this was a very weak maiden. She has failed to beat a rival in a Wolverhampton handicap off a mark of 46 on her latest start, but was produced with her chance early in the straight and kept on surprisingly well.
Loveofmylife didn't really achieve a great deal, but she should leave this form behind now qualified for a handicap mark.
Themwerethedays came into this officially rated 70 having shown ability in three runs on Polytrack, but he ran no sort of race.
Racing results courtesy of racing post. Please note that ever effort is made to ensure results are correct but I accept no liability for mistakes. The data is provided as a free service.
Please visit my Blog or sign up to my racing forum for the latest news and views.