The soft ground saw some non-runners. There was also a double on the day for Tom Marquand and David Egan, paired with outsiders winning made for an interesting race card. It is, however, always a shame that Nottingham Racecourse itself struggles with staffing issues and food shortages.
In the 3:40 the big field made it tough to decide who was going to win. In the early stages, Gweedore took keen hold of the race but after two furlongs Larado took the lead. This left Arthur's Realm, Rogue Bear and War Defender chasing. From under four furlongs out headway was made by Masked Identity with Eloquent Arthur. Gweedore struggled from this point onwards. Three furlongs out headway was made by Rogue Bear. One furlong out Rogue Bear was ridden to lead disputing with Larado. Eloquent Arthur was finding it tough to get into the places. In the final stages of the race, Masked Identity went narrowly clear of Larado. First Rogue Bear 14/1 by 2 1/4 lengths- this win was very easy and I expect an interesting race next time out. The second was Masked Identity by a nose and the third was Larado by 2 1/4 lengths.
The fifth race was a class three handicap, this was the second part of David Egan's double. Sharvara led with Typewriter, Sanitiser and New Pursuit close behind. Sharvara dominated for the majority of the race, leading the bunch until three furlong out. Then, New Pursuit and Typewriter were pushed along. Despite Sanitiser's efforts, he lost his place and struggled to maintain his place in the field. With one furlong left Sharvara lost the lead to Typewriter. In the closing stages, there was no catching of Typewriter. Implore did show a weak challenge. The rest of the field was far back. First was Typewriter by 2 lengths, second Implore by 7 lengths and third was New Pursuit by 3 lengths. Personally, Implore was the most impressive in the closing stages. However, I think Martin Harley left it too late, showing off the colts quick turn of foot but still not quite getting there.
I'm not sure when my next blog will be but keep watching my Twitter for updates.
