Review of the day

Mwaleshi ran a decent race at Sedgefield this afternoon – but appeared not to quite get home.

He definitely stays 2m4f, so it was a bit strange to seem him weakening on the extended run from the last - but that appeared to be what happened.

Up until that point, I had been quite happy with him.
He tracked the pace making Nobel Legend and when he took up the running prior to the final fence, be actually touched even money in running.

I have to admit, that my eye was drawn to Firth of the Clyde, throughout the race – but I felt Mwaleshi had the beating of the others.

Ultimately, I guess it didn’t matter – as once he had been passed by Firth of the Clyde, whether he finished second or fourth, was pretty much immaterial.

The fact he ultimately was well beaten will probably mean another significant drop in his handicap mark – and in the right race, he would remain tempting…

There were a few near misses with the ‘mentions’, as well…

Good Vibration couldn’t justify continued strong market support in the handicap hurdle earlier on the card, ending up a well beaten second. However, that was a fair bit better than Lucematic managed in the handicap chase. She was in last place throughout - and didn’t really appear to stay the extended trip.

In the Pertemps qualifier at Punchestown, Not for Burning managed to finish fifth – but the almost inevitable non runner, meant that the bookmakers only paid 3 places, so that wasn’t quite as irritating as it could have been.

Flemenstar ran a gallant race in the Tied Cottage – but couldn’t contain the surge of Felix Yonger, between the final two flights.

Whilst Baie Des Iles couldn’t reel in the front running Bonny Kate, in the Grand National trial later on the card.

It was one of those days…

TVB.